Good resources for info on Mars?

[SpaceXray]

Hello,

I am doing a project with some friends on Mars and how people can colonize it effectively, which also involves constructing a space elevator and strives towards terraforming. Where can I find the most reliable and accurate resources on these topics? Info on how ecosystems, climate and agriculture work would be very helpful. Thanks!

[wumpus]

This is more a plan to get there effectively (in more or less  modern technology, but with more than a little wishful thinking*).   But it is semi-current from NASA, so I'll mention it.

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/373665main_NASA-SP-2009-566.pdf

* both plans require zero-boiloff hydrogen storage.  There still is no known way to make such (and it *has* to stay in space.  Don't ask how many more times volume of H2 you have to drop to fill up your return rocket, even with a quick turn around.  The X-15 took off (i.e. the B-52 took off) with 250% of the H2 it would need once it was dropped.  H2 works great for gas-and-launch.  Not so good for gas-and-wait.  And nerva needs H2 (well, water might work as well as H2 and LOX.  Which is great if you can scoop up some water on Mars...).

[Findthepin1]

There are tons of terraforming threads on this very forum. You can probably find one by going back just a few pages on the topics list. They have some good ideas.