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New Insights into Mars’ Interior and Climate

Recent research has revealed significant findings regarding the gravitational characteristics of Mars, shedding light on the planet’s interior structure and climate history. The orbiters that have been monitoring Mars for an extended period carry radar technology capable of detecting subtle changes. Any significant fluctuations in gravity due to ice accumulation or shifts in the crust would be observable in their orbital patterns. Current observations demonstrate that the increase in gravitational potential tied to the long-term storage of ice outweighs the effects of any downward crustal deflection. Analyses indicate that any deformation occurring must be less than 0.13 millimeters annually to align with the gravitational data collected.

Additionally, the research models utilized a realistic scenario for the polar ice cap, incorporating a density aligned with a combination of ice and dust particles. Among the 84 models developed, only three met all established criteria. Notably, these models indicate that Mars possesses a notably viscous interior, suggesting a relatively cooler core. This conclusion aligns with previous findings concerning Mars’ geological history, indicating that the radioactive materials responsible for heating the planet are predominantly located in the crust rather than the deeper layers of the interior. Although the InSight lander’s thermal measurement experiment did not deploy as intended, future missions may provide further insights into the planet’s thermal dynamics.

The models imply that the polar ice cap on Mars is relatively young, estimated to be less than 10 million years old, which resonates with projections from climate models that utilize orbital data. In many respects, these findings represent an evolution of earlier models of Mars’ interior, integrating more recent orbital data and insights gained from the InSight mission, which also evaluated the thickness of Mars’ crust and the dimensions of its core.

This research highlights the innovative ways scientists can synthesize data from diverse sources to construct a comprehensive understanding of Martian geology and climate. Such interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for future exploration and understanding of our neighboring planet.

For further details, refer to the publication in Nature (2025): 10.1038/s41586-024-08565-9.

Source
arstechnica.com