Mars is Mostly Dead. There's Still Magma Inside, so it's Slightly Alive

The first-ever measurements of tectonics on another planet have been made by NASA since February. The key to this is the seismology experiment for interior structure (SEIS instrument) which has been on the surface listening for signs of earthquakes. planetary scientists have suspected for a long time that Mars is largely quiet.

A group of more than 20 recent marsquakes has been analyzed by a research team. They determined that most of the surface faults on Mars are not earthquake-prone. The majority of the 20 events observed were centered in the vicinity of the rifts. Volcanism and geological activity still play a role in shaping the Martian surface, according to the results.

Simon C. Sthler was the leader of the research. He and his colleagues were joined by researchers from a number of institutions. In the journal Nature Astronomy, a paper describing their findings was published.

The team found that low-frequency earthquakes could indicate the presence of molten magma in the Martian mantle. The epicenters of the earthquakes were located in the innermost part of the lake at depths of 30 to 50 km below the surface. In this region, named after the hellhound that protects the gates of the Underworld in Greek mythology, the terrain is sinking under its own weight and forming parallel rifts.

The team thought that the earthquakes might be the last rumbles from this once active volcanic region or that the magma is moving towards its next eruption. When the team looked at the images of the area, they noticed that the earthquakes were very close to a structure. The feature was surrounded by dark deposits of dust which were present in all directions and not only in the dominant direction of the wind.

The only reason for this was the presence of volcanic activity in the past. He said that the darker shade of the dust indicates geological evidence of more recent volcanic activity.

Mars has a rocky nature that makes it a good place to study geological processes like those that shaped our planet. Venus has a dense atmosphere that prevents missions from studying it with anything other than surface mapping radar and hot temperatures. All other bodies in the Solar System have only been studied by probes because they are so far away from Earth.

Mars is the only planet outside of Earth that has a core made of iron, nickel, and sulfur. This field can be traced back to the planet's interior, where a liquid outer core rotates around a solid inner core. The outer core of the Red Planet solidified while the inner core molten around 4 billion years ago. The atmosphere on Mars was stripped away by the solar wind over time.

Scientists suspected that this meant that Mars was geologically dead. The indications provided by robotic missions suggest that geological activity is still going on. There is a lot of research that needs to be done to confirm the results. The results show the effectiveness of the InSight lander and how it can lead to breakthrough. Co-author Domenico Giardini said that.

The SEIS is the most sensitive seismometer ever built. Current data shows what is happening on Mars, both at the surface and in its interior.

There are many robotic landers and rovers going to Mars in the future. The research they conduct into Mars will pave the way for crewed missions in the 20th century.

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