Though Mars and Earth have entirely different atmospheres, scientists’ knowledge of one planet will greatly enhance insight into the other. This is why studying Mars’ carbon cycle, the process by which carbon is naturally exchanged between a planet’s atmosphere, land, and oceans, is of particular interest. In the absence of heavy industrial activity, the carbon cycle maintains a relative balance which keeps the Earth’s temperature relatively stable. However, human activities (e.g. burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and many agricultural and industrial practices) have added a significant amount of carbon to the atmosphere, upsetting the balance. By studying the carbon cycle on Mars, NASA scientist Paul Niles believes we can learn more about what’s happening on Earth, and hopefully “be in a better position to make direct comparisons” between the two planets. Planetary scientist Mark Lemmon agrees: “The more we know about [Martian] atmosphere, the better we can really understand our own.”
Similar discoveries have been found in the past. When applying Earth’s climate model to Venus, it incorrectly predicted that Venus winds would come to a standstill within a few days. Scientists were then able to go back and refine the climate model, rendering it more accurate for both planets.
Image by NASA