Mars structures
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Mars Structures: Insights from Recent Research
Pyramidal Structures on Mars: Elysium Quadrangle
Observations and Characteristics
Triangular and polygonal pyramid-like structures have been identified on the Martian surface, specifically in the east-central portion of the Elysium Quadrangle (MC-15). These features, visible in Mariner 9 photographs, cast distinct triangular and polygonal shadows. The mean diameter of the triangular pyramidal structures at the base is approximately 3.0 km, while the polygonal structures have a mean diameter of about 6.0 km. These structures are located near steep-sided volcanic cones and impact craters, suggesting a possible geological connection1.
Formation Hypotheses
The alignment of these structures suggests potential joint or fault control, although they do not appear to be directly influenced by visible faults. The structures may be wind-faceted volcanic cones and blocks or solidified blocks that have been rotated in semi-consolidated lava1.
InSight Mission: Geophysical Insights
Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS)
The InSight lander, which arrived on Mars in 2018, has provided significant geophysical data through its Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS). This mission aims to define Mars' structural models and seismicity catalogs. Initial models rely on surface wave and impact-generated body wave data, while later models incorporate simultaneous inversion of seismic observations for source and structural parameters2.
Interior Structure Findings
Recent seismic data from the InSight mission have revealed that Mars likely has a 24- to 72-kilometer-thick crust and a very deep lithosphere close to 500 kilometers. The core of Mars is liquid and large, approximately 1830 kilometers in diameter, indicating a single rocky layer in the mantle, unlike Earth's two-layer mantle structure. These findings help constrain theories about Mars' chemistry and internal dynamics3.
Utilizing In-Situ Resources for Mars Habitation
3D Printing and Construction
A proposed manned Mars mission emphasizes the use of in-situ resources for constructing habitats. Robotic construction units would first prepare a functional base, followed by human habitation. Additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing with basalt, are considered for creating these structures. This approach is analyzed for its feasibility and compared to prior missions4.
Concrete Construction Challenges
Concrete construction on Mars presents unique challenges due to the planet's low temperature, low gravity, and low-pressure conditions. Plaster of Paris or water (which would bind by freezing) are suggested as suitable binders. Water for concrete could be sourced from ice or atmospheric condensation. Concrete structures would need to be buried under Martian regolith to protect against cosmic and solar radiation, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental hazards8.
Geodesy and Interior Composition
Core and Mantle Insights
Geodesy data, including mass, moment of inertia, and tidal measurements, provide critical insights into Mars' interior structure. Recent models suggest that Mars has no solid inner core and a liquid core with a high sulfur concentration. The core's radius is estimated to be around 1794 km, with a sulfur concentration of approximately 16 wt%. These findings align with the absence of a global magnetic field and suggest the presence of a thin perovskite layer at the mantle's bottom if the mantle temperature is high6.
Crust and Upper Mantle Structure
Topography and gravity data from the Mars Global Surveyor have revealed two distinct crustal zones on Mars. The southern highlands and Tharsis province feature a crust that thins progressively from south to north, while the northern lowlands and Arabia Terra have a more uniform crustal thickness. The lithosphere's strength beneath the southern highlands indicates high heat flow in the northern hemisphere early in Mars' history7.
Conclusion
Recent research on Mars' structures, both natural and human-made, provides a comprehensive understanding of the planet's geological features and potential for future habitation. From the intriguing pyramidal structures in the Elysium Quadrangle to the detailed seismic and geodesy data from the InSight mission, these findings offer valuable insights into Mars' past, present, and future. The innovative use of in-situ resources and advanced construction techniques further highlights the potential for sustainable human presence on the Red Planet.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pyramidal structures on Mars
Pyramid-like structures on Mars may be wind-faceted volcanic cones or solidified blocks rotated in semiconsolidated lava, suggesting joint or fault control.
Planned Products of the Mars Structure Service for the InSight Mission to Mars
The Mars Structure Service (MSS) will provide structure models and seismicity catalogs from the InSight mission, enabling a better understanding of Mars' interior structure and seismicity.
Highly CitedUpper mantle structure of Mars from InSight seismic data
Mars likely has a 24-72-kilometer-thick crust with a deep lithosphere, a low-velocity layer, and a highly enriched radioactive crust, which helps heat this layer at the expense of the interior.
Highly CitedUtilizing in-situ resources and 3D printing structures for a manned Mars mission
A manned Mars mission using in-situ resources and 3D printing techniques could be feasible, with robotic construction units preparing a functional base for human habitation.
Highly CitedRevisiting impossible differentials of MARS-like structures
The impossible differentials of MARS-like structures with n subblocks can be extended by 1 round when adopting a bijective SP-type round function, without affecting the specifics of the S-boxes or linear transformations.
Geodesy constraints on the interior structure and composition of Mars
Geodesy data suggests Mars has a liquid core with a large sulfur concentration, but it cannot constrain the mineralogy of the mantle and crust.
Highly CitedInternal structure and early thermal evolution of Mars from Mars Global Surveyor topography and gravity.
Mars has two distinct crustal zones, with the northern hemisphere experiencing high heat flow early in its history, and evidence of water and sediment transport in the northern lowlands before resurfacing.
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