2005/02/24 by Sean C. Solomon, O. Aharonson, J. M. Aurnou +14 · 3 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Planetary Science and Exploration #Astro and Planetary Science #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life #Geology #Crust #Mars Exploration Program #Volcanism #Mantle (geology) #Tharsis #Earth science #Geophysics #Astrobiology #Basalt #Outgassing #Geochemistry #Martian #Paleontology #Tectonics
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1101812
openalex publication_date 2005/02/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Mars was most active during its first billion years. The core, mantle, and crust formed within approximately 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.