Seismic data from Mars reveals a crust with varying possible thicknesses
In short: Researchers analyzing seismic data from the InSight lander have determined the internal structure of the Martian crust beneath its landing site. By studying marsquake recordings and ambient waves, the team found that the crust likely contains at least two, and potentially three, distinct subsurface layers.
This study provides one of the first absolute measurements of crustal thickness on Mars. By analyzing reflected and converted seismic phases, the researchers found the crust could be as thin as 20 ± 5 kilometers or as thick as 39 ± 8 kilometers. When extrapolated globally, the average thickness may range from 24 to 72 kilometers. However, this measurement is limited to the specific area near the InSight landing site.
Why it matters: We are gaining our first concrete measurements of the Martian crust's thickness and internal layering.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Knapmeyerendrun et al. (2021). Thickness and structure of the martian crust from InSight seismic data. Science. · other-oa
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