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Massive Volcanic Structure Unearthed on Mars
During the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, researchers made a groundbreaking announcement regarding Mars. They unveiled the discovery of a colossal volcano and potential buried glacier ice in the eastern region of Mars’ Tharsis volcanic province near the equator. This finding, although Mars has been observed by orbiting spacecraft since Mariner 9 in 1971, remained obscured due to heavy erosion, concealed between the intricate Noctis Labyrinthus and the grand canyons of Valles Marineris.
Referred to provisionally as “Noctis volcano,” the structure is situated at 7° 35′ S, 93° 55′ W, standing at an impressive elevation of +9022 meters (29,600 feet) and spanning 450 kilometers (280 miles) in width. Its colossal size and intricate history hint at extensive volcanic activity over millennia. Remarkably, a recent volcanic deposit in its southeastern sector suggests the potential presence of glacier ice underneath, presenting an exciting prospect for future Mars exploration and understanding its geological evolution.
Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist from the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute, spearheaded the study. The landscape’s volcanic nature became apparent through various geological features, including elevated mesas forming an arc around the central summit, extending outward for up to 225 kilometers (140 miles). Additionally, remnants of a collapsed volcanic crater and evidence of lava flows and pyroclastic deposits further confirmed its volcanic origins.
A significant aspect of the discovery is a vast area of volcanic deposits within the volcano’s perimeter, characterized by low, rounded mounds known as “rootless cones.” These cones suggest steam venting or swelling due to volcanic activity interacting with water or ice beneath the surface.
A year prior, Lee and colleagues identified remnants of a glacier within the same volcanic region. The presence of sulfate salts and polyhydrated sulfates indicated a chemical reaction between volcanic materials and ice, suggesting the existence of a buried glacier sheet.The Noctis volcano’s evolution is complex, involving fracturing, thermal erosion, and glacial activity. The volcano’s shield-like structure comprises layers of pyroclastic materials, lavas, and ice, shaped over time by volcanic eruptions and glacial processes.
Many mysteries surround the Noctis volcano, including its exact age, current volcanic activity, and potential to sustain life. Nevertheless, its discovery offers a promising site for studying Mars’ geological history and planning future exploration missions, especially with the possibility of extracting water from the near-surface glacier ice for human habitation and fuel production.
Utilizing data from various Mars missions, including NASA’s Mariner 9, Viking Orbiter 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, as well as ESA’s Mars Express, the study sheds light on Mars’ geological features and potential for scientific exploration.
