Immense structures revealed beneath the surface of Mars
2 views
Skip to first unread message
rael-science
Jun 27, 2025, 1:28:15 AM6/27/25
to rael science
The Raelian Movement
for those who are not afraid of the future : http://www.rael.org
Get Rael-Science on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/raelscience
Get Rael-Science on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rael_science
Immense structures revealed beneath the surface of Mars
Published by Cédric,
October 10, 2024 at
08:00 AM
Article author: Cédric DEPOND
Source: Europlanet Society
Other Languages: FR, DE, ES, PT
Article author: Cédric DEPOND
Source: Europlanet Society
Other Languages: FR, DE, ES, PT
|
Reeneath
Mars' northern polar ice cap, dense elements
have drawn attention. Their origin remains
unknown, and hypotheses are multiplying.
These buried structures, detected through gravimetric analyses, are thought to be remnants from a time when Mars harbored vast oceans. Bart Root's team at Delft University has highlighted these anomalies under sediments that would have once covered an ancient seabed.
Map highlighting the dense structures in the northern hemisphere. The regions marked by black lines are high mass anomalies that do not show correlation with the geology and topography. These hidden subsurface structures are covered by sediments from an ancient ocean. Their origin remains a mystery, and a dedicated gravitational mission, like MaQuIs, is needed to uncover their nature.
Credit: Root et al.
The elements are significantly denser than their immediate surroundings, with an estimated density between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter higher than the surrounding area. According to the researchers, several hypotheses are being considered to explain their origin. They could be the result of ancient volcanic activity, having left massive deposits beneath the surface.
Another possible explanation is that these structures formed following meteorite impacts, which could have compacted the Martian soil. However, no visible traces on the surface can confirm these hypotheses, making their origin and nature even more puzzling.
Among the most fascinating discoveries, some of these formations are found around the volcanic region of Tharsis, where the famous Olympus Mons rises. Yet, contrary to predictions, this area is not sinking under its own weight. In fact, observations reveal surprising terrain elevation. This could be explained by the upward movement of a magma plume beneath the lithosphere, suggesting that volcanic activity might still be possible in the near future.
These new data suggest that Mars still retains an active internal dynamic. Researchers mention the possibility that these internal movements could generate new geological features at the surface of the red planet.
Thus, these discoveries could challenge our understanding of Mars, hinting at still unknown phenomena beneath its surface.
On Mars, evidence suggests that a magma plume might be rising beneath the Tharsis region, where Olympus Mons is located (the tallest known feature in the Solar System). This phenomenon could explain the unexpected elevation of the terrain, counteracting the pressure exerted by the volcanoes' weight and hinting at potential future volcanic activity.
Researchers use these tiny deviations to map the distribution of Mars' internal masses. Using this data, they can identify anomalies, such as magma pockets, buried craters, or ancient sediments, without needing to drill into the surface.
These buried structures, detected through gravimetric analyses, are thought to be remnants from a time when Mars harbored vast oceans. Bart Root's team at Delft University has highlighted these anomalies under sediments that would have once covered an ancient seabed.
Map highlighting the dense structures in the northern hemisphere. The regions marked by black lines are high mass anomalies that do not show correlation with the geology and topography. These hidden subsurface structures are covered by sediments from an ancient ocean. Their origin remains a mystery, and a dedicated gravitational mission, like MaQuIs, is needed to uncover their nature.
Credit: Root et al.
The elements are significantly denser than their immediate surroundings, with an estimated density between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter higher than the surrounding area. According to the researchers, several hypotheses are being considered to explain their origin. They could be the result of ancient volcanic activity, having left massive deposits beneath the surface.
Another possible explanation is that these structures formed following meteorite impacts, which could have compacted the Martian soil. However, no visible traces on the surface can confirm these hypotheses, making their origin and nature even more puzzling.
Among the most fascinating discoveries, some of these formations are found around the volcanic region of Tharsis, where the famous Olympus Mons rises. Yet, contrary to predictions, this area is not sinking under its own weight. In fact, observations reveal surprising terrain elevation. This could be explained by the upward movement of a magma plume beneath the lithosphere, suggesting that volcanic activity might still be possible in the near future.
These new data suggest that Mars still retains an active internal dynamic. Researchers mention the possibility that these internal movements could generate new geological features at the surface of the red planet.
Thus, these discoveries could challenge our understanding of Mars, hinting at still unknown phenomena beneath its surface.
What is a magma plume?
A magma plume is a rising column of molten rock from the deep interior of a planet. This column of magma ascends through the mantle, driven by internal heat. When it reaches the lithosphere, it can cause volcanoes or other geological formations.On Mars, evidence suggests that a magma plume might be rising beneath the Tharsis region, where Olympus Mons is located (the tallest known feature in the Solar System). This phenomenon could explain the unexpected elevation of the terrain, counteracting the pressure exerted by the volcanoes' weight and hinting at potential future volcanic activity.
How does gravimetry work to explore Mars?
Gravimetry is an analysis method that measures variations in a planet's gravitational field. On Mars, it helps detect density differences beneath the surface, revealing hidden structures. These variations affect the movements of satellites in orbit.Researchers use these tiny deviations to map the distribution of Mars' internal masses. Using this data, they can identify anomalies, such as magma pockets, buried craters, or ancient sediments, without needing to drill into the surface.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages