2005/10/10 by J. E. P. Connerney, M. H. Acuña, N. F. Ness +4 · 1 voice · 8 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Planetary Science and Exploration #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
paper · doi:10.1073/pnas.0507469102
openalex publication_date 2005/10/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Mars currently has no global magnetic field of internal origin but must have had one in the past, when the crust acquired intense magnetization, presumably by cooling in the presence of an Earth-like magnetic field (thermoremanent magnetization). A new map of the magnetic field of Mars, compiled by using measurements acquired at an approximately 400-km mapping altitude by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, is presented here. The increased spatial resolution and sensitivity of this map provide new insight into the origin and evolution of the Mars crust. Variations in the crustal magnetic field appear in association with major faults, some previously identified in imagery and topography (Cerberus Rupes and Valles Marineris). Two parallel great faults are identified in Terra Meridiani by offset magnetic field contours. They appear similar to transform faults that occur in oceanic crust on Earth, and support the notion that the Mars crust formed during an early era of plate tectonics.