Researchers uncover origins of mysterious blobs in Mars' mantle

In the study published in Science, researchers revealed significant findings about Mars' geological structure, specifically the origins of mysterious blobs within its mantle. The blobs have been preserved for billions of years beneath a single-plate crust, making them unique features of the Red Planet. NASA's InSight Lander, which explored Mars' crust, mantle, and core, reported unprecedented findings, discovering numerous lumps that suggest a well-preserved geological history. These blobs likely originated from ancient impacts during the earlier stages of the solar system, and their existence illustrates how differently Mars has evolved compared to Earth. The InSight Lander made a remarkable contribution when it collected data on a total of 1,319 Marsquakes before it stopped functioning in 2022 due to dust blocking its solar panels. Constantinos Charalambous from Imperial College London and co-author Tom Pike emphasized that the study offers unmatched clarity regarding Mars' inner structure, with the blobs representing ancient fragments. The research provides insights into the early evolution of rocky planets and reveals that Mars' mantle has changed slowly, in stark contrast to Earth's active tectonics which erases such historical features. The blobs identified in Mars' mantle are spread throughout a massive 960-mile layer of hot solid rock. Each blob represents remnants from a time when Mars experienced heavy bombardment from asteroids and other rocky materials. The researchers compared the structure and pattern of the mantle to shattered glass, containing both large and smaller fragments. By understanding the context of these formations, scientists hope to gain insights into not just Mars, but the evolution of habitable rocky planets across the solar system as a whole. In conclusion, the findings from this study represent a crucial leap in our understanding of Mars and its geological history, showcasing the planet as a time capsule that has preserved its early formations through billions of years. These discoveries not only aid in unraveling the history of Mars but also offer invaluable information regarding the potential for life on other rocky planets, reshaping the way we understand planetary evolution. Researchers hope that continued exploration of Mars will yield even more insights into its past and its potential for supporting life.