How carried with it if not by atmospheric
movement? The existence of an atmosphere charged with vapor has been
confirmed also by spectroscopic observations, principally those of
Vogel, according to which this atmosphere must be of a composition
differing little from our own, and above all, very rich in aqueous
vapor. This is a fact of the highest importance because from it we can
rightly affirm with much probability that to water and to no other
liquid is due the seas of Mars and its polar snows. When this conclusion
is assured beyond all doubt another one may be derived from it of not
less importance--that the temperature of the Arean climate
notwithstanding the greater distance of that planet from the sun, is of
the same order as the temperature of the terrestrial one. Because, if it
were true, as has been supposed by some investigators, that the
temperature of Mars was on the average very low (from 50 degrees to 60
degrees below zero), it would not be possible for water vapor to be an
important element in the atmosphere of that planet nor could Water be an
important factor in its physical changes, but would give place to
carbonic acid, or to some other liquid whose freezing point was much
lower.
The elements of the meteorology of Mars seem, then, to have a close
analogy to those of the earth. But there are not lacking, as might be
expected, causes of dissimilarity. From circumstances of the smallest
moment nature brings forth an infinite variety in its operations.
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