Despite astronomers’ expectations, Mars has quakes as well, similar to Earth. We just shared the news a few days ago about the strongest Marsquake that scientists detected by using the InSight Mars Lander of NASA.

Scientists were also surprised recently when they discovered what seems to be the first active mantle plume that exists on the surface of Mars, according to a new study published in Nature Astronomy. The research has Jeff-Andrews Hanna as co-author, who’s also a planetary geologist. The discovery suggests that the Red Planet is cooling at a slower rhythm than scientists were expecting.

What causes marsquakes?

On Earth, earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These plates are pieces of the Earth’s crust that move around and interact with each other, and when they collide or grind against each other, they can create powerful seismic waves. Mars does not have tectonic plates in the same way that Earth does, but it does have other geological processes that can cause earthquakes.

One of the main causes of marsquakes is the contraction and expansion of the Martian crust as the planet cools and warms. Mars has a much longer day-night cycle than Earth, and the temperature can vary significantly from one side of the planet to the other. This temperature change can cause the crust to contract and expand, which can lead to the formation of marsquakes.

Another cause of marsquakes is the impact of meteorites and other debris on the surface of the planet. Mars has a thin atmosphere that does not provide much protection against meteorites and other objects that enter the planet’s orbit. When these objects hit the surface, they can create powerful shockwaves that can generate marsquakes.

In other words, not only living on Earth is dangerous. Mars could be even worse.

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