Document Type
Monograph
Publication Date
2002
Publication Title
The World's Water 2002-2003: the Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources
Volume
2002-2003
First Page
209
Last Page
224
Abstract
This chapter explores the discovery, origins, and significance of water beyond Earth. It reviews theories of how Earth obtained its water—ranging from volcanic outgassing to delivery by comets, meteorites, and “cosmic snowballs.” Scientific missions have detected evidence of water or ice on the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter’s moons (notably Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), as well as in interstellar clouds, distant planetary systems, and even other galaxies via water-vapor megamasers. These findings have implications for future space exploration, as in-situ water could supply life support and fuel, and for astrobiology, since liquid water is a key prerequisite for life as we know it. The chapter concludes that locating water in space enhances the feasibility of human exploration and offers a roadmap for searching for extraterrestrial life.
Recommended Citation
Chalecki, Elizabeth L. 2002. Water Brief “Water and Space” As found in Gleick, Peter, ed. The World’s Water 2002-2003: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Washington, DC: Island Press. 209-224
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Comments
This is a chapter written by University of Nebraska at Omaha faculty, Elizabeth Chalecki, and was deposited with permission from the publisher.
From World’s Water 2002-2003, by Peter Gleick et al. Copyright © 2002 Island Press. Reproduced by permission of Island Press, Washington, DC
This work is copyrighted and any reuse or permissions must be obtained from the copyright holder.
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