Unveiling Mars' Past: Olympus Mons as a Gigantic Volcanic Isle

Unveiling Mars' Past: Olympus Mons as a Gigantic Volcanic Isle
by Robert Schreiber
Paris, France (SPX) Jul 26, 2023

Is it possible that Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in our solar system, was once a behemoth volcanic island on Mars, equivalent in size to the nation of France? According to the latest research led by a CNRS scientist, this could indeed have been the reality of the Martian landscape at some point in its geologic past. The work, which was published in the Earth and Planetary Science Letters journal on July 24, indicates a tantalizing possibility for the past existence of a vast ocean on the Red Planet.

Olympus Mons, with a staggering altitude over 20,000 meters, not only dwarfs all Earthly volcanoes but also boasts certain morphological resemblances with currently active volcanic islands on our home planet. These shared features, the study suggests, are likely a result of the interaction between molten lava from the volcano and liquid water. This hypothesis is not based solely on the characteristics of Olympus Mons but is further substantiated by similar traits observed on the northern side of the Alba Mons volcano, which is situated over 1,500 kilometers away.

These shared traits suggest a common occurrence: the presence of liquid water. In the case of the Earth, these geologic features are typically found in volcanic islands that rise from the ocean floor. The analogous Martian topography, therefore, paints a picture of a time when Mars' northern lowlands were possibly filled with a vast ocean.

This groundbreaking revelation about Olympus Mons and Alba Mons has the potential to recalibrate our understanding of Mars' climatic history. If it is confirmed that these geological features are indeed remnants of a once thriving Martian ocean, it could provide invaluable insights into the timeline of the Martian climatic evolution.

The findings from the recent research also underscore the significance of conducting further geologic dating studies of these Martian volcanic rocks. The precise dating of these features would not only affirm or negate the hypothesis of a Martian ocean but could also unlock volumes of information about Mars' climatic history. As such, these discoveries may serve as a foundation for future Mars exploration missions and studies.

These Martian mountains, Olympus Mons and Alba Mons, could thus be monumental milestones in understanding Mars' complex geological and climatic past. This research indicates that these Martian behemoths are not just solitary mountains on a desolate planet, but perhaps evidence of a planet that once boasted a vast ocean. As we continue to explore our neighboring planet, these giant volcanic structures may prove to be more than just landmarks; they might be keys to uncovering a time when Mars was a lot more like Earth.

This discovery has not only sparked scientific curiosity about the intriguing past of Mars but has also ignited hope for the future of Mars exploration. As we piece together the Martian past from the clues left on its red surface, we inch closer to understanding if Mars could have ever harbored life and how it evolved into the world we see today. Such revelations continue to affirm the importance of space exploration and our pursuit of understanding the cosmos.

Research Report:A giant volcanic island in an early Martian Ocean?