Overview

• Satellite data reveals 63 sites of ancient volcanic activity on Mars, dating back 3.5 to 4 billion years, across four different volcano types.
• The findings suggest Mars underwent crustal recycling driven by vertical tectonics, a precursor to Earth's plate tectonics.
• Mars's well-preserved ancient crust provides a unique window into early planetary evolution, not possible on Earth due to tectonic recycling and erosion.
• The volcanic activity on ancient Mars could have created conditions conducive to the emergence of life, similar to Earth's hydrothermal vents.
• The Eridania region, with its distinctive geological features, is highlighted as a key area for understanding Mars's volcanic and tectonic history.