The US space agency collects seismic data insight Its rover operation has measured two of the most powerful Martian earthquakes in recent weeks. The earthquakes, with magnitudes 4.2 and 4.1, were five times more powerful than the earthquakes known to date.
The center of the 4.2-magnitude event was Valles Marineris on the other side of the planet, according to researchers at the University of Bristol. Valles Marineris is the largest canyon in the Solar System, and was previously thought to be a seismically active area, but this is the first data to prove it.
The waves of another earthquake also passed through the core and mantle of the planet, and it was not possible to determine the epicenter, but it also started from the other side of the planet. However, this earthquake, recorded under the number S1000a, is the longest known earthquake of Mars with a duration of 94 minutes.
From data from seismic activity on Mars, scientists can learn about the structure of the planet’s interior. The magnetic field of the red planet is negligible, which is explained by the weak dynamo effect of the active core, so so far researchers believe that not much happens inside Mars.
However, recent data indicate that the Martian core is more active than we assumed. InSight’s seismic instruments have been in operation since November 2018 and hundreds of earthquakes have been detected.
The recent earthquakes originated from under the volcanically active Cerberus Fossea. The researchers’ analysis showed that the earthquakes showed no relationship with the movement of the Martian moon Phobos, so the main reason for the activity is the movement of molten rock from the depths to the top.
(Phys.orgAnd Science alert)
