'Mars' interior is not behaving,' active mantle plume reveals

.livescience.com/ ^ | Joanna Thompson

[BenLurkin]

For decades, astronomers assumed that Mars was geodynamically dead — a planet without rumbling earthquakes and erupting volcanoes. Though remnants of towering volcanoes exist on the surface of the Red Planet today, these colossal structures have been dormant for millions of years. With little to no heat firing the planet's engine, scientists reasoned, Mars became dormant long ago.

However, over the last five years, this assumption has been proven wrong. NASA's InSight mission has detected quakes and even evidence of recent volcanism around one Martian region, known as Elysium Planitia. And now, they think they know why this activity is occuring.

The finding suggests that Mars may be cooling significantly more slowly than scientists had anticipated. If this is the case, it could have profound implications not just for the planet's geology but also in the search for water — or perhaps even alien life.

Researchers have known for some time that volcanoes used to exist on Mars; the largest known volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, was discovered on the Martian surface in 1971. Olympus Mons has been inactive for around 25 million years. Based on what we know of Martian geology, it makes sense for the enormous volcano to be quiet.

Smaller celestial bodies tend to cool faster than their larger counterparts. Planets with a thinner mantle — the geological layer that drives most volcanic activity — also cool off at an even quicker rate. "So, at least in this case, size matters," Byrne said. Mars is about 53% the size of our planet, and its mantle is only 15% as thick. Because of this, scientists have long speculated that Mars should be relatively dead from a volcanic and geological perspective.

[higgmeister]

Your visions remind me of the plot devices in the films 2012 (2009) and The Fifth Element (1997).

[curious7]

They did a W A G and because they’re scientists it must be right. Just ask them....

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Looks like that very big toadstool or mushroom in my backyard, the one we park our riding mower under at night.

[sasquatch]

Friends of sheila jackson lee were doing the Texas two step.

[FlingWingFlyer]

It’s from all that expended electricity floating around in outer space from the EVs farting around. Mars is doomed unless we park the EVs.

[GaltAdonis]

"...Looks like that very big toadstool or mushroom in my backyard..."

.

Yo Max - Didn't I tell you to lay off those wacky mushrooms?

Those things ain't good for your brain, man... I'm tellin' ya!

/sarc-LOL!

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

26. They taste like chicken!!! Burp!

[GaltAdonis]

"... taste(s) like chicken! ..."

.

Yeah yeah - That's what they ALL Say!

[minnesota_bound]

Back at least 25 million years ago aliens sent probes and reported back that there were volcanoes.

[tired&retired]

I never saw either of them, but will check them out.

Thanks

[pax_et_bonum]

Looks like you might be contagious. :-D

[GaltAdonis]

"...25 million years ago aliens sent probes and reported back..."

.

Haven't you learned YET that you can't believe anything those pesky aliens say?
Sheesh!

[Lazamataz]

We are so screwed.

[tired&retired]

The reason that Tribulation is two periods is that.

1. The first period are the political, economic, and military turmoil as the weeds create chaos prior to the second period.

2. The second period is the earth changes where consciousness is purified and raised. That’s the “global warming” the evil Demon-crats fear and keep screaming about.

[tired&retired]

Only Laz would used the term “screwed” to describe the future!

🤣

[DannyTN]

[Sirius Lee]

Olympus Mons -

Mons Venus is a lot more active.