While many scientists have long held that Mars is “geologically dead” inside, new research is adding to the growing body of evidence to the contrary.
As detailed in a new paper published in the journal Science Advances, an international team of researchers examined data collected by the European and Russian ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in 2021, which found that Mars is slowly belching hydrogen chloride gas. The researchers suggest this gas is being released from hot magma deep beneath its surface after discovering intriguing new fissures along a massive volcano, indicating the planet may be geologically active after all — or at least it was until relatively recently.
The research could have significant implications for the possibility of ancient life on the Red Planet, hinting at a far warmer and thicker atmosphere — and an abundance of liquid water on its surface — in its not-too-distant past.
“Our findings suggest that Mars has retained enough internal heat to support volcanic activity until recently, and possibly still does,” said colead author and Polish Academy of Sciences professor Daniel Mège in a statement about the research.
While scientists have long observed variations in hydrogen chloride emissions across the Red Planet that coincide with its seasons, they were puzzled by spikes that occurred in unexpected places and at unusual times. More specifically, they observed spikes around the flanks of the Alba Mons, the biggest volcano on Mars in terms of surface area.
The team discovered new fissures measuring thousands of feet in length around the region, suggesting ongoing activity underneath the surface. The researchers discovered discolorations along these fissures, concluding that they may be the result of seeping gases leaving mineral deposits similar to volcanic gas vents on Earth.
“The Trace Gas Orbiter was able to find the smoking gun,” Mège said. “It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s truly amazing that it spotted a handful of molecules from a perhaps intermittent source, whilst moving continuously along its orbit to monitor the whole martian atmosphere.”
The fissures could also be a perfect place to find evidence of past life on the Red Planet.
“Looking for martian life in the seeping fissures of the Alba Mons region would make a lot of sense,” Mège argued. “If hydrothermal systems are active, they could contain the ingredients and energy needed for microorganisms to develop, and shield microorganisms from the hostile and changing environment above the surface.”
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