What makes water vapor so important to us?
Water vapor is one of the greenhouse gases that absorbs heat energy in our atmosphere and helps to warm our planet. Water vapor is also the source of all clouds, rain and snow. It is an important influence on weather and climate. What does water vapor tell us about a planet? If a scientist found water vapor in the atmosphere of another planet, it would be a good sign that there might be liquid water on its surface. Water is the most important ingredient for life on Earth, so another planet with water on it would be an exciting place to look for life! What is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth? Antarctica receives less than 5 centimeters of precipitation a year and its average temperature ranges from -4F to -94F. The freezing temperatures and the absence of water vapor are similar to the conditions on Mars. A lot of scientific research is conducted in Antarctica s Dry Valleys that will help future astronauts search for life on Mars. Animations: Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxid
