Mars' Largest Volcanoes Significantly Contribute to the Formation of Martian Meteorites in the Solar System

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications on Nov. 15, geologist James Day and his team at the University of California San Diego have offered a compelling new model for the formation of martian volcanic rocks. The research, funded by NASA, suggests a potential link between the formation of martian meteorites and the volcanic processes observed on Earth, particularly in Hawaii.

The study examined 40 martian meteorites for their chemical compositions, finding that two dominant types, shergottites and nakhlites, had complementary compositions. Remarkably, these compositions were found to be similar to those observed in Hawaii between Kilauea and Diamond Head Crater.

The study's findings provide a link between diverse martian meteorites and volcanic processes observed on Earth. One of the key findings is the role of melting of water-rich materials by tectonic processes in forming rocks like the Gusev Crater basalts.

The immense weight of the Hawaiian islands, for instance, pushes down on the Pacific plate, causing melting and volcanic activity. Similarly, the largest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, places a massive load on the martian surface, causing it to bend and warp downward. This bending can lead to immense stresses, melting, and volcanism.

The new model proposed for how martian volcanic rocks form can potentially explain the complete range of volcanism seen on Mars. The relationship of martian meteorites to one another also has implications for basaltic rocks examined by the Mars Exploration Rovers, including Spirit, which landed at Gusev Crater.

Co-authors of the study include Kim Tait of the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada, Arya Udry of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Frédéric Moynier of the Université Paris Diderot, Yang Liu of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, and Clive Neal of the University of Notre Dame.

The researchers suggest similar origins for martian volcanism, implying that our understanding of Earth's volcanic processes may help us better understand the geological processes on Mars. This could pave the way for more informed future exploration and research on the Red Planet.

The Olympus Mons, three times taller than Mt. Everest, is a testament to the immense volcanic activity that has shaped Mars. Understanding the processes behind this activity could bring us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of our neighbouring planet.

Mars' Largest Volcanoes Significantly Contribute to the Formation of Martian Meteorites in the Solar System