A team of researchers is one step closer to understanding the geological mysteries surrounding the evolution of the Red Planet. A group of researchers from ETH Zurich analyzed data obtained by NASA’s Mars InSight instrument to find out how thick the Martian crust is. However, this discovery also revealed another unexpected mystery: Mars’ deep source of radioactive heat.Great mystery of Mars solved by earthquake
The study led scientists to an interesting conclusion. The main source of heat produced in the planet’s interior appears to be the result of the time-consuming decay of radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium. While this may sound exotic, it actually means that the interior of the Red Planet relies in part on heat from the decay of radioactive elements to keep its core warm. Earth likewise uses the heat from this decay.
The team analyzed data obtained by InSight’s seismometer during the strongest Martian earthquake the vehicle had detected during its entire mission. According to the team led by Doyeon Kim, a seismologist at ETH Zurich Geophysics Institute, the seismic waves were strong enough to surround Mars three times. As detailed in the new paper published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, the thickness of the Martian crust was found to be between 41 and 56 kilometers on average.“These results mean that the Martian crust is much thicker than that of the Earth or Moon,” the statement said. The team also found that crustal density in the northern plains and southern highlands of the Red Planet is similar, a very exciting finding that, according to Kim, puts an end to the long-standing scientific debate about the origin and structure of Martian crust.
Mars looks more like Earth than thought
Perhaps most excitingly, this analysis also provides an explanation for how the planet has been able to generate its heat over billions of years. According to the team, deep within the planet, radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium decay, producing Mars’ internal heat. Researchers think that at least half of these heat-producing radioactive elements are found in the Martian crust, which could explain “local melting zones” in the planet’s interior.In particular, the fact that Mars’ internal heat source relies on decaying radioactive elements means that the Red Planet may look more like Earth than previously thought, since decaying radioactive elements are also part of Earth’s internal heat source. All these findings are among the most recent steps towards solving mysteries about the geology and history of the planet.
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