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3 clusters · 6 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Thermal asymmetry and magmatic systems in Martian mantle

Overview

Research led by the University of Arizona has identified a significant thermal disparity within the Martian interior. By utilizing tidal tomography to analyze gravitational data from the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions, scientists determined that the mantle in the southern hemisphere may be between 200 °C and 400 °C warmer than the northern hemisphere.

Some areas within the southern mantle may be partially molten. This internal thermal contrast mirrors the planet’s surface asymmetry, where the south features high mountains and deep craters while the north consists of smoother, low-lying plains. This temperature difference may also account for observed magnetic anomalies and seismic wave scattering on Mars.

Expanding on these findings, researchers from the University of Oxford have utilized data from NASA’s InSight lander to identify evidence of a vast, interconnected deep magmatic system. This discovery suggests that Mars may possess a complex, layered crust developed through magmatic differentiation, even in the absence of Earth-like plate tectonics. These combined insights into the planet's magmatic systems and hemispheric thermal anomalies may further explain Martian volcanic activity and historical habitability.

Entities

Mars · NASA · University of Arizona · University of Oxford · Caltech

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Mars research reveals complex magmatic systems and hemispheric thermal anomalies

    Scientists have discovered evidence of a vast magmatic system and a major thermal anomaly on Mars, suggesting the planet's crust is more complex than previously thought despite lacking plate tectonics.

  2. 14 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Astronomers reveal new planetary insights regarding atmospheres and Mars' internal heat

    New astronomical studies reveal how lava planets retain atmospheres via a ‘cosmic shoreline’ and discover that Mars' southern hemisphere is up to 400°C warmer than its northern hemisphere.

  3. 17 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Mars southern hemisphere mantle found to be significantly warmer than north

    A study published in Nature reveals that Mars' southern hemisphere mantle is 200 °C to 400 °C warmer than the north, potentially containing partially molten areas.

Sources

aventurasnahistoria.uol.com.br · epochtimes.com · finance.technews.tw · geekweek.interia.pl · olhardigital.uol.com.br · rmf24.pl

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history