Mars May Have Clear Water After All, As Layers Of Hidden Ice Gets Exposed For 1st Time Ever

For sometime, scientists had predicted that Mars may have ice and water hidden beneath -- beyond the permafrost of the polar ice caps. And now, there's new evidence to prove Mars may well have hidden water underneath its surface.

This new discovery isn't just exciting for the validation of a long-held theory, but it may have a huge impact on how humans explore and ultimately settle on Mars.

Scientists have found layers of water ice buried just a few feet below the Martian surface, across various sites located around the planet's equator.

Researchers led by USGS planetary geologist Colin Dundas present detailed the surprising finding, as they studied images from eight regions on Mars where soil erosion has uncovered large underlying layers of ice lying untouched just below the surface of the planet.

Also researchers were quick to point out that whatever ice was exposed from underneath, the water it holds appears to be largely pure and untouched by outside contaminants.

"This is a new window into ground ice on Mars," said Colin Dundas, the U.S. Geological Survey geologist who co-discovered the ice layers, according to National Geographic.

Obviously, this is a huge discovery, and more effort will now be dedicated towards excavating, testing and turning this ice deposits under Mars into potable water.