Recent research by Robert Olszewski of Warsaw University of Technology reveals how much carbon dioxide would need to be increased on Mars for trees to grow. (CC BY-SA)
New research shows how high carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations need to rise on Mars to support plant growth, as well as to raise the planet’s temperature until it is warm enough for trees to grow.
Surprisingly, the conditions that allow plant growth on Mars did not first occur in the “tropical” regions of the planet.
Energy Balance
This futuristic scenario is led by Robert Olszewski, a professor at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. He and his research team examined the surface energy balance of Mars, including heat exchange between condensation and evaporation of carbon dioxide, heat interactions with the underground surface, and heat transfer through atmospheric circulation.
“Conditions that allow plant growth did not first occur in tropical areas (±25°), but in the Hellas Basin region. “The increase in the greenhouse effect further expands the area suitable for plant growth in the southern hemisphere,” explains the new research paper.
By utilizing temperature and pressure data from the Viking Mars landing in the 1970s, Olszewski and his team simulated various processes on Mars, both current and past/future conditions.
“We used a basic model to investigate the greenhouse effect resulting from increased CO2 as well as artificial greenhouse warming,” Olszewski wrote in a paper presented at the “Astrobiology and the Future of Life Summit” at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas.
High Pressure
Olszewski and his colleagues assessed the total pressure required on Mars, the acceptable high percentage of CO2, the O2 required, the amount of water available, and the temperature range required for tree growth.
“Current atmospheric conditions on Mars make it impossible for life to exist,” explains Olszewski. “Requirements for plant growth on Mars considered in the context of teraformation and low-pressure greenhouses.”
This research focuses on temperature, because it is a fundamental environmental variable that changes during the terraformation process and controls the CO2 cycle and the formation of liquid water, Olszewski added. Oxygen levels in the thicker, warmer atmosphere remain a separate important concern.
Planting Season
“The focus on temperature needs to be increased by several tens of degrees, with lower daily temperature fluctuations. For tree growth, the growing season must last at least 110 sols (Martian days),” points out the study, taking into account minimum temperatures, average temperatures, and a certain maximum temperature that can be reached on Mars.
Olszewski and team noted that on Earth, tree lines at the highest elevations are typically found in tropical regions, but are influenced by the location of the thermal equator. “Therefore, it is expected that the equatorial region of Mars will be the first location for trees.”
However, due to the considerable eccentricity of Mars’ orbit, the southern hemisphere has relatively warm summers near perihelion. Additionally, Mars’ orbital period is 1.9 Earth years.
“Thus, the long southern summer provides a suitable first growing season for the trees,” reports Olszewski. “In particular, we found that the low elevation of the Hellas Basin allows the creation of the first conditions favorable for tree growth,” the researchers concluded. (Space/Z-3)
Research Reveals How to Get Trees Growing on Mars (Not Just for Decor!)
Breaking news from the far reaches of our solar system, and no, it’s not another dancing bear video! Professor Robert Olszewski from the Warsaw University of Technology has unveiled some fascinating research on how much carbon dioxide (CO2) we’d need to crank up on Mars to pull off the botanical miracle of growing trees. You heard it here first: Mars could go from a barren wasteland to a green paradise—assuming we don’t trip over our own space boots trying to terraform it!
The Climate That Prefers a Touch of Green
So, where in the blazes would these hypothetical trees sprout? Surprisingly, we’re not talking about the tropical regions of Mars (which makes you wonder who came up with that name). According to Olszewski’s team, the Hellas Basin is the real estate hotspot for future Martian forests. Who knew that while we were vacationing in “funky” tropical locales, the Martians were eyeing property in the Hellas Basin!
In his meticulous analysis, Olszewski looked into the surface energy balance of Mars—basically how heat comes and goes, much like my last date that disappeared halfway through dessert. The factors in play include the heat exchange between condensation and evaporation of CO2, heat interactions with the underground, and even atmospheric circulation. If only we had a dating app that factored in heat exchange!
Blowing CO2 High Enough to Grow a Forest
Olszewski’s research isn’t just a one-off crazy idea. He and his team used data from the Viking Mars landings back in the 1970s—talk about a vintage approach! They simulated conditions on Mars’ past and future, which means they’re practically playing interplanetary Minecraft but with real stakes!
“Current atmospheric conditions on Mars make it impossible for life to exist,” says Olszewski, which, let’s be honest, sounds a lot like my attempts to get a house plant to survive after my last attempt at becoming a ‘plant dad.’ The big separate concern? Oxygen levels in that thicker atmosphere we’d need. Sorry, trees, oxygen is totally a dealbreaker!
When Is Tree-Planting Season on Mars?
Let’s talk practicalities: Olszewski says temperature needs to warm up by several tens of degrees, with daily fluctuations that won’t send trees into therapy. For trees to flourish, we need a growing season of at least 110 sols (that’s Martian days, folks—not a new app to order takeaway). The conditions that govern tree growth on Earth are totally different from our chilly red neighbor.
Here’s the kicker: Earth’s highest tree lines peak in tropical regions, while Mars’ likely candidates are influenced by its equatorial location. However, due to its quirky orbit, the southern hemisphere heats up nicely in summer. Think of it as Mars’ own version of a long weekend—perfect for a Martian beach day!
“Thus, the long southern summer provides a suitable first growing season for the trees,” reports Olszewski. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s already planning a summer BBQ on Mars!
Conclusion: Get Your Gardening Gloves Ready!
In summary, folks, if you’ve ever wondered whether you could grow an apple tree on Mars, the scientific consensus is arriving at “possibly.” But before the tree-huggers start packing their shovels, remember: we need CO2 levels soaring, a dash of warmth, and a whole lot of oxygen. It’s not exactly your average gardening project!
So, next time you watch a documentary about Mars or hear about an ambitious terraforming plan, just remember: if you’re going to conquer the universe, you might as well do it with a lovely shade of green!
