14th March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
A sleeping giant lies in the depths of the Tharsis volcanic region. Radar scans from orbit reveal a volcano of staggering proportions.
This newly identified volcano is far wider than Olympus Mons, potentially making it the solar system's largest by volume.
This Martian volcano wasn't formed by explosive eruptions. Instead, it likely oozed lava over long periods, building up its vast size.
The technology that uncovered the volcano is called SHARAD – radar capable of penetrating the Martian surface to reveal hidden structures.
● Scientists suspect this type of volcano could trap water ice beneath its slopes. ● Residual heat could form a melt layer between the ice and volcanic rock. ● This hidden water could be a potential resource for future Mars missions.
● Volcanic eruptions release gases that contribute to a planet's atmosphere. ● They create fertile soil through the breakdown of volcanic rock. ● Hydrothermal vents associated with volcanism may be where life first began on Earth.
● The volcano's sheer size makes ground exploration incredibly difficult. ● Its gentle slopes may lack easily accessible rock outcrops for rovers to study. ● Aerial surveys or advanced climbing rovers would be needed.
● Can we confirm the presence of ice? More detailed radar mapping may be needed. ● How old is this volcano? Studying the surrounding terrain could reveal its eruptive history. ● Did this volcano ever interact with Mars' ancient oceans?
● This discovery adds to the growing picture of Mars as a dynamic planet. ● It reminds us there's still so much we don't know about our planetary neighbor. ● The search for life on Mars, past or present, just got more exciting
Mars never ceases to amaze, from towering mountains to potential hidden glaciers. What other secrets lie beneath its rusty red surface?