Scientists Uncover Hidden Structures Beneath Mars' Surface
New research reveals dense formations and active mantle processes under the Red Planet's northern polar plains and Tharsis region.
Overview
- Researchers combined data from multiple missions, including NASA's InSight, to create a new gravity map of Mars.
- The map shows dense, large-scale structures buried under Mars' ancient ocean and northern polar plains.
- These structures, denser than their surroundings by 300-400 kg/m³, may be volcanic or impact-related in origin.
- A vast, lightweight structure beneath Tharsis Rise is causing Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, to bulge upward.
- The findings suggest that Mars' interior might still be active, potentially leading to new volcanic features on the surface.