Researchers from the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery about the volcanic activity on Mars. Using spacecraft images and data from ground penetrating radar, the team created 3D reconstructions of lava flows in Mars’ Elysium Planitia. Their findings indicate that the region was volcanically active and may still be actively erupting today.
The team found evidence of over 40 volcanic events, with the most significant event filling a Martian valley called Athabasca Valles with almost 1,000 cubic miles of basalt. This newfound insight into Mars’ volcanic activity challenges the previous notion that the Red Planet is geologically inactive. Researchers believe that this information could have implications for Mars’ potential to harbor life as we know it.
The recent discovery has sparked a shift in the understanding of Mars’ geological activity. While Mars has historically been considered a “dead” planet devoid of plate tectonics, recent findings suggest otherwise. The team’s analysis also revealed that Elysium Planitia, previously viewed as unremarkable, can provide valuable insights into the planet’s geological history.
The research has significant implications for the quest to uncover if Mars could have once supported microbial life. The interaction between lava and water in Elysium Planitia could have created hydrothermal environments, similar to Earth’s hydrothermal vents, which are capable of sustaining life. Understanding the history of water flow on Mars is also crucial for future crewed missions to the Red Planet, as equatorial regions like Elysium Planitia could potentially provide water sources for astronauts.
The team’s findings have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, marking a major breakthrough in our understanding of Mars’ geological past and potential for sustaining life. The researchers plan to continue studying the region, utilizing various imaging methods to gain a deeper understanding of the Martian surface and its volcanic activity. As they delve deeper into the planet’s history, they hope to unlock more of its secrets and shed light on its potential to support life.