New Perspectives on Ancient Mars

S.C. Solomon; O. Aharonson; J.M. Aurnou; W. B. Banerdt; Michael H. Carr; A. J. Dombard; H. V. Frey; Matthew P. Golombek; S.A. Hauck; J.W. Head; Bruce M. Jakosky; C.L. Johnson; P.J. McGovern; G.A. Neumann; R.J. Phillips; D.E. Smith; Maria Zuber

doi:10.1126/science.1101812

USGS · 70209892

New Perspectives on Ancient Mars

S.C. Solomon·O. Aharonson·J.M. Aurnou·W. B. Banerdt·Michael H. Carr·A. J. Dombard·H. V. Frey·Matthew P. Golombek·S.A. Hauck·J.W. Head·Bruce M. Jakosky·C.L. Johnson·P.J. McGovern·G.A. Neumann·R.J. Phillips·D.E. Smith·Maria Zuber

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Abstract

Mars was most active during its first billion years. The core, mantle, and crust formed within ∼50 million years of solar system formation. A magnetic dynamo in a convecting fluid core magnetized the crust, and the global field shielded a more massive early atmosphere against solar wind stripping. The Tharsis province became a focus for volcanism, deformation, and outgassing of water and carbon dioxide in quantities possibly sufficient to induce episodes of climate warming. Surficial and near-surface water contributed to regionally extensive erosion, sediment transport, and chemical alteration. Deep hydrothermal circulation accelerated crustal cooling, preserved variations in crustal thickness, and modified patterns of crustal magnetization.

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S.C. Solomon, O. Aharonson, J.M. Aurnou, W. B. Banerdt, Michael H. Carr, A. J. Dombard, H. V. Frey, Matthew P. Golombek, S.A. Hauck, J.W. Head, Bruce M. Jakosky, C.L. Johnson, P.J. McGovern, G.A. Neumann, R.J. Phillips, D.E. Smith, Maria Zuber. 2005. New Perspectives on Ancient Mars. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1101812

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