Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, uncovering a massive volcano and a possible buried glacier ice sheet near the equator of the red planet. The volcano is located in the eastern part of Mars’ Tharsis volcanic province and is said to rival other giant volcanoes on Mars in diameter.
The structure, which is centered at 7° 35′ S, 93° 55′ W, reaches an impressive elevation of +9022 meters and spans a staggering 450 kilometers in width. The discovery was recently announced at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, shedding new light on the complex geological history of Mars.
According to the researchers, the volcano shows signs of modification from various processes such as fracturing, thermal erosion, and glacial erosion. The potential presence of glacier ice near the equator has sparked excitement among scientists as it opens up possibilities for future robotic and human exploration missions.
The study utilized data from several Mars missions, including Mariner 9, Viking Orbiter 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This collaborative effort has provided valuable insights into the geological features of Mars and has paved the way for further exploration of the mysterious planet.
As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of Mars, this latest discovery adds to our understanding of the planet’s unique geology and history. The presence of a giant volcano and buried glacier ice on Mars highlights the endless possibilities for exploration and discovery in the vast expanse of space.
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