Eroded Martian Volcano with Hidden Ice Suggests Active Geological Past

Eroded Martian Volcano with Hidden Ice Suggests Active Geological Past
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 14, 2024

At the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, scientists unveiled the discovery of a colossal volcano, provisionally named "Noctis volcano," along with a suspected subsurface glacier in Mars' Tharsis volcanic province. This revelation comes from analysis of imagery captured by orbiting spacecraft over decades, unveiling a site with profound implications for the study of Martian geology and climate evolution.

Positioned at the intersection of the Noctis Labyrinthus and the Valles Marineris, the Noctis volcano stands at +9022 meters in elevation, covering an area of 450 kilometers in diameter. The discovery of a thin volcanic layer atop potential glacier ice marks a significant milestone in understanding Mars' geological transformations.

Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute and Mars Institute at NASA Ames Research Center, shared, "We discovered this immense, eroded volcano while examining the geology of a glacier area identified last year." The volcano's varied landscape, marked by a central caldera, lava flows, and deposits of volcanic and hydrated minerals, highlights its extensive geological activity.

Sourabh Shubham, a co-author and graduate student at the University of Maryland, remarked on the significance of finding a volcanic setting for the abundant hydrated minerals in this Martian region, pointing to the volcano as a long-anticipated geological feature.

The study also identified a "blistered terrain" within the volcano, characterized by "rootless cones"-mounds formed by explosive interactions between volcanic material and underlying ice or water. This suggests the extensive presence of glacier ice beneath the surface.

The complex history of the Noctis volcano, shaped by various erosional processes, offers a window into the dynamic geological past of Mars. Although questions about the volcano's age and current activity remain, its potential for harboring life through sustained warmth and water positions it as a focal point for future research and exploration.

"This site offers a unique lens through which to view Mars' past, offering insights into its geological evolution and potential habitability," Lee added. The glacier ice's presence in a warmer equatorial region underscores the site's appeal for exploration and study.

Utilizing data from NASA and ESA missions, this research highlights the collaborative efforts in Mars exploration, enhancing our understanding of the planet's geological features and opening new paths for astrobiology and future explorations.