2023/10/22 05:30
Research shows that the largest earthquakes measured on Mars should be caused by crustal movement. (Reuters)
◎Lin Jiayu
On May 4, 2022, NASA’s InSight lander detected the largest quake yet recorded on Mars, one with a 4.7 magnitude – fairly modest by Earth standards but strong for our planetary neighbor.
NASA’s Mars probe “InSight” detected a magnitude 4.7 earthquake on May 4, 2022, which was the largest earthquake on record on Mars. This size is considered moderate for Earth, but it is intense for our planetary neighbors.
Given Mars lacks the geological process called plate tectonics that generates earthquakes on our planet, scientists suspected a meteorite impact had caused this marsquake.
Since Mars lacks plate tectonics, the geological process that produces earthquakes on our planet, scientists suspect that this Martian earthquake was caused by a meteorite impact.
But a search for an impact crater came up empty, leading scientists to conclude that this quake was caused by tectonic activity – rumbling in the planet’s interior – and giving them a deeper understanding about what makes Mars shake, rattle and roll.
But studies of the crater have found nothing. This result led scientists to another conclusion, that is, the earthquake was caused by plate tectonic activity, erupting from the interior of Mars. It also gives scientists a deeper understanding of why Mars shakes, rattles and rolls.
“This represents a significant step forward in our understanding of Martian seismic activity and takes us one step closer to better unraveling the planet’s tectonic processes,” added Imperial College London planetary scientist and study co-author Constantinos Charalambous, co-chair of InSight’s Geology Working Group.
Konstantin North, a planetary scientist at Imperial College London and study co-author and co-chair of InSight’s geology team. “This represents a significant leap forward in understanding seismic activity on Mars, bringing us one step closer to unraveling the tectonic processes of the Martian crust,” Charalambos said.
news dictionary
modest: adjective, moderate, not big (expensive, heavy). Example: Their house is quite modest and comfortable.
unravel: verb, to uncover, to explain. Example: This research will help them unravel the mystery of Ancient Rome.
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