I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.  Exodus 17:6

If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.  John 4:10

Scientists consider liquid water to be an essential ingredient of life. Christians also recognize the importance of water, as part of God’s provision and a symbol of new life in Christ Jesus.

As a graduate student in the earth and planetary sciences, part of my research focuses on the history of water on Mars. Some scientists study frozen water located at the planet’s poles, while others study ancient environments that once held lakes and rivers. New evidence suggests that water may be active on the surface today.

In recent years, scientists observed curious dark streaks on the slopes of craters. Some were quick to suggest liquid water as an explanation of material movement and darkened sand. However, many were skeptical because it is difficult for liquid water to form at the surface because of such cold temperatures and extremely low atmospheric pressures.

New evidence presented by McEwen et al in the Aug. 5, 2011, edition of Science suggests that liquid water may flow during the warmest seasons. To see images and hear a description of the features, see http://youtu.be/UfBaM2F6Qzk

“The best explanation for these observations so far is the flow of briny water,” said Alfred McEwen of the University of Arizona, Tucson, and principle investigator of the scientific camera that imaged the possible flows. The salts dissolved in the briny water lower the melting temperature to a level close to the summer temperatures on Mars. The features (sometimes numbering in the 1000’s) appear to form and grow during the warmest time of the year and fade as the season ends.

Here is the significance of this discovery: liquid water may exist and flow on Mars under extreme conditions. Today, scientists study how water influenced the early history of Mars and the potential for life-forming processes during that early environment. If liquid water exists under modern conditions, albeit seasonally, then water may play a much more influential role throughout Mars’ history. This finding may increase the time and space available for life-forming process.

Each day we are learning something new and fascinating about God’s creation. Could this flowing water represent God’s provision for primitive life? Could this water be a symbol of Christ in an otherwise cold and dry wasteland? It is much too early to tell, but God’s revelation will one day provide the truth.

Your thoughts?