What are the significant water ice deposits discovered on Mars and what is their potential importance?

Researchers from the Planetary Science Institute have discovered significant water ice deposits in the Nereida Montes region of Mars that could represent the largest concentrations of non-polar water in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The discovery was made using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, dating these formations to within the last few million years of Mars' history. These ice deposits make the area an intriguing potential landing site for future Mars missions despite challenging terrain. The ice could serve as a crucial water source for future explorers, essentially functioning as a "hotspot" for accessing water on the Red Planet, which would be vital for sustaining human presence on Mars.