Mars' Polar Ice Cap Moves Inward
The orbiters that carried the radar hardware have observed changes in Mars' gravity, indicating a slow movement of its polar ice cap inward by less than 0.13 millimeters per year. This suggests that the Martian interior is relatively viscous and cold, consistent with a crust dominated by radioactive elements rather than deeper heat sources. The models also indicate that the polar ice cap is less than 10 million years old.
- The discovery highlights the complex interplay between geological processes and climate dynamics on Mars, underscoring the importance of continued exploration and modeling to better understand the Red Planet's evolution.
- How will future missions, such as those designed to study Mars' heat dynamics, contribute to a more complete understanding of the planet's internal structure and potential for supporting life?