Unveiling Mars: New Gravity Study Reveals Hidden Structures and Activates Olympus Mons

Recent gravity studies of Mars have unearthed significant insights into concealed geological features lurking beneath the planet's surface. These findings, unveiled at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) in Berlin by Bart Root from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), suggest the presence of enormous, dense structures tied to the remnants of a lost ocean, coupled with potential ongoing volcanic activity that may be propelling Olympus Mons—the largest volcano in the Solar System—higher into the stratosphere.

Mars, often seen as a planet of ice and dust, harbors buried treasures with impressive densities beneath its northern polar plains. The newly discovered structures, hidden under smooth sediment layers believed to stem from ancient ocean beds, may indicate a complex geological history. "These dense structures could be of volcanic origin or may represent material compacted due to past impacts. We identified around 20 distinct features, including one that amusingly resembles a dog," Dr. Root stated.

Utilizing advanced techniques, Dr. Root and a collaborative team from TU Delft and Utrecht University employed minute orbital deviations observed in satellite paths to probe Mars’ gravity field and decode the planet’s internal mass distribution. Their analysis incorporated data from NASA's Insight mission, which provided crucial information on the martian crust's thickness and flexibility, alongside insights into the dynamics of Mars’ mantle and deep interior.

The results produced a global density map of the Red Planet, revealing that the polar features are 300-400 kg/m³ denser than their adjacent locations. Additionally, the study shed light on the Tharsis Rise volcanic region, home to the majestic Olympus Mons. This area presents a unique gravitational anomaly where the heavy volcanic features are surprisingly situated atop a region characterized by weaker gravitational signatures. The research suggests that a light mass, estimated at around 1,750 kilometers in diameter and positioned approximately 1,100 kilometers deep, may be influencing the Tharsis region's buoyancy, possibly due to a colossal plume of lava that is rising from the planet's depths.

Dr. Root emphasized the significance of the NASA InSight mission, stating, "We've obtained essential new data on Mars' rigid outer shell, prompting a re-evaluation of how we view the support mechanisms for Olympus Mons and its vicinities. This hints that Mars might still be experiencing internal movements leading to fresh volcanic activity on the surface."

In an ambitious stride forward, Dr. Root is part of a team advocating for the Martian Quantum Gravity (MaQuIs) mission. This groundbreaking initiative aims to deploy labyrinthine technology developed for Earth and lunar studies to meticulously map Mars’ gravity field. Dr. Lisa Wörner of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) elaborated, "The MaQuIs observations would enhance our understanding of Mars’ subsurface. This mission holds the potential to reveal the origins of these enigmatic features, study ongoing mantle convection, and investigate dynamic surface processes like seasonal atmospheric changes and groundwater reservoir detection."

As scientists eagerly anticipate further revelations from Mars, the findings provide not only an exciting glimpse into the planet's past but also a compelling narrative suggesting that Mars may still be a world in flux, expanding our quest for knowledge about our neighboring planet and the history it holds.

Stay tuned as we continue to track the developments from the EPSC and the extraordinary explorations of Mars!