Mars’ southern hemisphere is unusually hot deep underground
A new study from Caltech shows that Mars' southern hemisphere is much hotter than expected deep below the surface. Why is that? The post Mars’ southern hemisphere is unusually hot deep underground first appeared on EarthSky .
Mars, a cold planet, possesses an unusual anomaly deep beneath its surface in the southern hemisphere. Researchers at Caltech have discovered that the region is 200-400 degrees Celsius (290-750 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than expected. The southern hemisphere, characterized by craters and mountains, contrasts the northern hemisphere, which is mostly flat and low-lying.
The heat anomaly likely mirrors the planet's north-south asymmetry. The researchers utilized data from three Mars missions – Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter – to measure gravitational field variations and create a model of the planet's interior. They propose several explanations for the anomaly, including a giant impact, spontaneous convection in the southern mantle, and thick geological features trapping heat.
Understanding this interior structure provides insights into Mars' formation, evolution, and potential habitability.
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