Scientists have long been puzzled by Mars’ increasing spin rate. A recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets sheds light on this mystery. Researchers suggest that a massive plume of buoyant rock beneath Mars’ crust could be stirring things up.
This plume not only explains why Mars is spinning faster but also why it retains geological heat longer than expected. Understanding these factors could change how we think about how rocky planets, like Mars, cool and evolve over time. Bart Root, a planetary exploration expert at Delft University of Technology, emphasizes that studying Mars can help us understand our entire solar system.
Mars is home to some of the largest volcanoes and mountains in the solar system. Unlike Earth, Mars lacks plate tectonics. Instead, volcanic activity occurred over time, creating vast structures, especially in the Tharsis volcanic province, which spans about 3,700 miles. In 2018, NASA’s InSight lander began studying Mars’ interior to provide insights into its volcanism and crust thickness.
Using data from InSight, Root and his team ran simulations to explore what could explain the Tharsis region’s dominance. Their findings pointed to a unique “negative mass anomaly”—a section of less dense material in the mantle below Tharsis. This anomaly may explain the size and volcanic activity of the region.
Root explained, “The negative mass anomaly will move upwards, creating melt pockets that can erupt as volcanoes.” This could be similar to how a spinning desk chair speeds up when you pull weight inward.
Researchers found that Mars is rotating about 70 microseconds faster each year. The anomaly’s location at Mars’ equator influences this speed. As less dense material rises, heavier material may shift closer to the planet’s core, increasing spin. This observation suggests that even smaller planets like Mars may retain heat and activity longer than once thought.
Root hopes to demonstrate that Mars holds more surprises than previously assumed. For further reading on Mars’ mysteries and discoveries, check out the study here.
