Researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland recently announced the findings of their study after analyzing data obtained by NASA's Mars InSight lander.
They found that the Martian crust is significantly thicker on average compared to the Earth's and the Moon's crust. The study also reveals that the main source of heat on Mars is derived from radioactive elements.
People watch the landing of NASA's InSight spacecraft on the planet Mars on television screens at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California on November 26, 2018.
Mars Has a Thicker Crust Than Earth and Moon
By analyzing data from the strongest Marsquake detected by NASA's InSight lander, a team led by Doyeon Kim from ETH Zurich has determined the thickness of the Martian crust. The seismic waves produced during the Marsquake circled the planet three times.
Their study, titled "Global Crustal Thickness Revealed by Surface Waves Orbiting Mars" published in Geophysical Research Letters, reveals that the Martian crust has an average thickness ranging from 26 to 35 miles. The thinnest region is the Isidis impact basin at around 6 miles, while the thickest region is the Tharsis province at about 56 miles.
These findings show that the Martian crust is considerably thicker than that of the Earth or the Moon, Futurism reported. More so, it sheds light on the contrasting characteristics of the northern and southern hemispheres of Mars. This dichotomy, observed through telescopes and satellite images, displays flat lowlands in the northern hemisphere and high plateaus in the southern hemisphere.
Additionally, the team discovered that the density of the Martian crust in the northern lowlands and southern highlands was similar, resolving a long-standing scientific debate regarding the origin and structure of the Martian crust. Kim emphasizes the significance of this finding, stating that it marks the conclusion of an ongoing discussion.
The team's fortunate observation of the Marsquake allowed for a better understanding of Mars' crust thickness. Comparatively, it would be more challenging to determine the Earth's crust thickness using a similar magnitude of quake due to the differences in energy transport efficiency between the two planets. Despite its smaller size, Mars efficiently transmits seismic energy, providing valuable insights into its geological characteristics.
READ ALSO: NASA InSight Lander Says Mars Molten Core Has A Whooping 1800-km Radius!
Mars Has a Radioactive Heat Source
As per IFL Science, the study also highlights the presence of radioactive materials, including thorium, uranium, and potassium, which contribute to the heating of Mars' interior.
Approximately 50 to 70 percent of these heat-producing elements are concentrated in the Martian crust. This concentration could provide an explanation for some of the sources of Marsquakes, especially if ongoing local melting events occur within the planet.
This discovery reveals a striking similarity between the internal heating mechanisms of Mars and Earth. Both planets rely on the decay of radioactive elements, along with residual energy from their formation billions of years ago, to maintain the intense heat within their cores.
It also offers valuable insights into the internal dynamics and geological processes taking place on Mars, deepening the understanding of the composition and thermal activity of Mars. By studying the role of radioactive elements and their impact on the planet's heat generation, scientists can gain further knowledge about the evolution and current state of Mars.
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