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Planet Mars' most abundant gases by volume (Curiosity rover, October 2012). Based on these data sources, scientists think that the most abundant chemical elements in the Martian crust are silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminium, calcium, and potassium. These elements are major components of the minerals comprising igneous rocks. [11]
On Mars, heat can come from molten rock moving under the ground and from crater impacts. Liquid rock under the ground is called magma. When magma sits in underground chambers, slowly cooling over thousands of years, heavier elements sink. These elements, including copper, chromium, iron, and nickel become concentrated at the bottom. [5]
The surface geology of Mars is somewhere between the basalt or andesite rocks on Earth. This led to the formation of minerals similar to what is found on Earth. The presence of iron oxide gives the surface the “rust” color that is associated with Mars, the Red Planet.
Martian regolith is toxic, due to relatively high concentrations of perchlorate compounds containing chlorine. [3] Elemental chlorine was first discovered during localised investigations by Mars rover Sojourner, and has been confirmed by Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity.
Generalised geological map of Mars [1] Mars as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. The geology of Mars is the scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars. It emphasizes the composition, structure, history, and physical processes that shape the planet. It is analogous to the field of terrestrial geology.
There appear to be huge reservoirs under Mars, scientists have said. Evidence suggests that there are vast lakes of liquid water under the surface of the red planet, according to a new study.
Elements with comparatively low boiling points, such as chlorine, phosphorus, and sulfur, are much more common on Mars than on Earth; these elements were probably pushed outward by the young Sun's energetic solar wind. [24] After the formation of the planets, the inner Solar System may have been subjected to the so-called Late Heavy Bombardment.
Curiosity's hard work is once again paying off by turning up evidence that liquid water quite likely exists on Mars at this time. A paper published in Nature Geoscience reveals that data collected ...