Volcano 'Hidden in Plain Sight' on Mars Could Unlock Secrets of the Planet's Habitability

Discovery of Jezero Mons: A Martian Volcano

Scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a mountain on the rim of Mars' Jezero Crater as a likely volcano, named Jezero Mons. This discovery, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, could revolutionize our understanding of Mars' geologic history and its potential for past habitability.

Key Findings

Jezero Mons, nearly half the size of the 28-mile-wide Jezero Crater, was initially overlooked due to the focus on the crater's water history. However, volcanic rocks encountered by NASA's Perseverance Rover prompted researchers to re-examine the mountain. Using data from multiple Mars orbiters and the rover, the team confirmed Jezero Mons shares properties with known volcanoes on Earth and Mars.

Implications for Mars' Habitability

The presence of a volcano near Jezero Crater, a former lakebed, suggests a potential source of heat and hydrothermal activity—conditions that could have supported microbial life. Additionally, igneous rocks from Jezero Mons, if returned to Earth, could provide precise dating of Mars' geologic timeline.

Future Research

The study highlights the importance of continued exploration and the potential for undiscovered volcanic features on Mars. The Perseverance Rover's ongoing mission to collect samples may further illuminate the planet's volcanic and habitable past.