Researchers continue to study Mars. After analyzing data provided by the Mars Express orbiter, they concluded that the Red Planet had volcanoes, water and microbes, the material was published by the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.
It is noted that scientists from the Lunar and Planetary Research Laboratory at the University of Arizona have created a 3D simulation of lava flows on the Martian plain Elysium Planitia. They studied the planet’s crust at a depth of about 140 meters. The team used images from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter camera and MRO’s HiRISE camera, and combined them with data from the Mars Global Surveyor and ground penetrating radar measurements. They were able to see what the region was like before the lava erupted.
Scientists have concluded that lava erupted through fissures as early as a million years ago, covering an area the size of Alaska. More than 40 volcanic eruptions have been discovered. However, some of them, for example, Elysium Planitia, were much more active than previously thought. There once were large volumes of liquid water, and it is likely that when lava poured into the region it interacted with liquid water, or at least water ice. Experts also found evidence of steam explosions – they could have occurred where water met lava.
Scientists believe that discovering regions of hydrothermal activity on Mars could also help identify regions favorable to microbial life. And knowing that water can be found in some areas could help future astronauts on their upcoming missions.
Previously, NASA reported “signs” of life on Mars.
Source: Rosbalt
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