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Published February 25, 2005 | public
Journal Article

New Perspectives on Ancient Mars

Abstract

Mars was most active during its first billion years. The core, mantle, and crust formed within ∼50 million years of solar system formation. A magnetic dynamo in a convecting fluid core magnetized the crust, and the global field shielded a more massive early atmosphere against solar wind stripping. The Tharsis province became a focus for volcanism, deformation, and outgassing of water and carbon dioxide in quantities possibly sufficient to induce episodes of climate warming. Surficial and near-surface water contributed to regionally extensive erosion, sediment transport, and chemical alteration. Deep hydrothermal circulation accelerated crustal cooling, preserved variations in crustal thickness, and modified patterns of crustal magnetization.

Additional Information

© 2005 American Association for the Advancement of Science. This paper began as a series of scientific discussions held at meetings of the Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter team on the Mars Global Surveyor mission. We thank J. Dickson, L. Montesi, and J. Roark for assistance with figure preparation. Support for this paper has been provided by NASA, through the Mars Exploration Program, the Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program, and the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 20, 2023