Mars - A Warmer, Wetter Planet

Mars is the Solar System's other wild, wet, water world. Long believed to have become cold, dead, and dry aeons ago, we now having striking new proof, not only that Mars was a relatively warm and wet place in geologically recent times, but that even today there are vast reserves of water frozen beneath the planet's surface. This compelling new evidence may well boost the chances of a manned mission to Mars sooner, rather than later. The discovery is also forcing a complete rethink about the mechanisms of global planetary change. What does the drastic turn of events on Mars mean for Earth's climate system? Could life have thrived on Mars very recently, and might it survive today in short-term hibernation? Will humans soon be capable of living off the natural resources that Martian hydrogeology has naturally offered us? Will humans one day be capable of setting off the same chain of events that nature has repeatedly triggered to set off warm, wet episodes on Mars? How could Mars be terraformed into a New World? (And should we even contemplate doing so?) This book offers a visually beautiful, scientifically detailed and accurate presentation of the evidence that has forced this new revolution in Mars science.

From the reviews:

"Long believed to have been cold, dead and dry for eons, there is now striking new proof that not only was Mars a relatively warm and wet place in geologically recent times, but that even today there are vast reserves of water frozen beneath the planet’s surface. In this absorbing, beautifully illustrated book, Kargel describes the still-unfolding revolution in our knowledge about the Red Planet and how future concepts of Mars will continue to be molded by new revelations of four billion years of geology". (LUNAR AND PLANETARY INFORMATION BULLETIN)

From the reviews:

"

This exhaustive, effusive, and enthusiastic book conveys the excitement of frontline scientific research aboutas well as can be done. Kargel describes himself as a member of the "Tucson Mafia," a group of scientists in full rebellion against the "Mars Establishment" and its belief in a cold, dry Mars. His ideas are presented in meticulous detail, supported by hundreds of superb pictures, many taken by the author himself. Some--perhaps most--of his ideas are controversial and may ultimately prove to be wrong, as he himself often points out, but we have to applaud the (sometimes career-risking) courage with which he has pursued them. In spite of the large amount of rather technical information, the reader is swept along by the author's enthusiasm in conveying it and ability to integrate it into a coherent vision. The reader also learns about the process of science: the thrill of having a new idea and discussing it with others at conferences and cafes (and bars), the drudgery often involved in pursuing the idea, the perils of the formal review process for publications and grant applications, and the roles played by personality conflicts and power politics. Summing Up: Enthusiastically recommended. All levels. " (T. Barker, CHOICE, March 2005)

From the reviews:

"Kargel does an excellent job of tying together the work of many scientists and whose results provide evidence for the hypothesis that Mars may have periodically had a warmer, wetter climate than previously recognized. Kargel, as astrogeologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Arizona, integrates and explains such diverse work as geomorphological observations, theoretical calculations, and measurements of mineralogy and chemistry from orbiting spacecraft. The book is full of excellent examples of the most recent imaging data from NASA missions to Mars, as well as many photos of terrestrial analogues, which surely will aid the nonspecialist in understanding how planetary geologists go about understanding the landforms of Mars…

"Specialists and enthusiasts  will find that the inclusion of detailed information drawn from a wide range of subdisciplines makes for a well-rounded story...

 "Kargel's entertaining book presents one evolving path of scientific thought regarding Mars that is gaining wider acceptance. It will instigate useful, stimulating debate on the role of water in shaping the Mars we see today and point how we might enhance our understanding of the Red Planet in the future." Science (11 March 2005)

"… [Mars: A Warmer, Wetter Planet is] a welcome read for someone looking for more contemporary details about the red planet than just captions to pretty pictures. Kargel marshals an impressive array of information to argue that Mars was once a warm and wet planet, with rivers and seas covering its surface. … Recent discoveries from the Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Express only serve to bolster Kargel’s conclusion." (Sky & Telescope, May 2005)

Jeffrey Kargel...in his book, Mars: A Warmer, Wetter Planet...draws away the veil of mystery surrounding Mars to show us the red planet's intriguing visage. Not only does he provide adetailed analysis of shapes and features, but he also provides a description of how these likely came into being. (Mark Mortimer, in Universe Today) 

Choice Outstanding Title! (January 2006)

"In this book, Jeffrey Kargel, a leading planetary scientist, weaves a refreshingly different allegory of the past, present and future of the red planet, and the personalities that shaped our contemporary ideas … . This is an excellent text and is clearly written for a broad readership. After reading this book you’ll feel like an expert without ever having to endure a single equation. Now what could be better fun than that?" (Neil English, Astronomy Now, November, 2005)

"The text is engaging and accessible … . It will make a welcome read for someone looking for more contemporary details about the red planet … . Kargel marshals an impressive array of information to argue that Mars was once a warm and wet planet, with rivers and seas covering its surface." (R.N., Sky & Telescope, May, 2005)

"Jeff Kargel does an admirable job of tying together the work of many scientists … . explains such diverse work as geomorphologic observations, theoretical calculations, and measurements of mineralogy and chemistry obtained from orbiting spacecraft. The book is full of excellent examples of the most recent imaging data from NASA missions to Mars … .specialists and enthusiasts will find that the inclusion of detailed information drawn from a wide range of subdisciplines makes for a well-rounded story. … Kargel’s entertaining book presents one evolving path … ." (Victoria E. Hamilton, SCIENCE, Vol. 307, March, 2005)

"Humanity’s understanding of Mars has changed dramatically during the past 40 years. … In this book, Jeffrey Kargel … presents a detailed case for this dramatic new view. … The book provides a thorough discussion of the subject in the title, and is illustrated with lots of photos … . I recommendthis book to those well-versed in Mars studies." (Nadine Barlow, Astronomy, March, 2005)

"Kargel, a planetary scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, walks the reader through the exciting ideas that helped shape our modern understanding of Mars. In 11 fully comprehensive chapters … Kargel musters his scientific inclinations to give the reader an absolutely thorough overview of the concepts … . If you want the very best and most-up-to-date rendition of the continually unfolding saga of Mars exploration, then look no further than this book. It’s an absolute gem and a joy to read." (Neil English, Astronomy & Space, March, 2006)

• University of Arizona Dept. Hydrology & Water Resources, Tucson, USA

  Jeffrey S. Kargel

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