The north pole of Mars is gradually shifting inward due to the weight of its polar ice cap, which has formed in the last few million years. This phenomenon provides crucial insights into the planet’s interior, supported by data from the InSight lander.
Understanding the Polar Ice Cap
Researchers have concluded that the Martian crust is slowly sinking under the ice cap’s weight. This process sheds light on the planet’s geological history and the dynamics of its crust and mantle. The polar ice caps are believed to be less than 10 million years old, indicating that the crust at the poles continues to adjust.
Modeling Mars‘ Interior
To analyze the situation, scientists created 84 different models based on various assumptions about Mars‘ interior properties, including crust thickness and heat levels. They used constraints derived from other data sources, such as seismic activity detected by the InSight lander, to narrow down the valid models.
Key Findings
- The crust at Mars‘ north pole is deforming at a rate of less than 0.13 millimeters per year.
- Only three models met all constraints, indicating a viscous Martian interior with a cold core.
- The distribution of radioactive elements suggests that most heat sources are located in the crust rather than deeper layers.
These findings enhance the understanding of Mars‘ geological processes and highlight the importance of integrating data from various sources to form a comprehensive view of the planet’s dynamics.
For more details, visit the original article at Ars Technica.