Orbiter Detects Potential Signs of Volcanic Activity on Mars

An international research team led by Alexander Trokhimovskiy suggests that new evidence from gas seeping above volcanic rifts indicates Mars may not be geologically dead, but merely dormant. The findings, published in Science Advances on November 4, 2026, suggest that the release of hydrogen chloride comes from hot magma beneath the surface.

Gas Detection and Seasonal Patterns

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) first reported hydrogen chloride gas in the martian atmosphere in 2021. While most hydrogen chloride on Mars varies seasonally—reaching a maximum in the northern hemisphere winter and disappearing in the summer due to dust and water cycles—researchers identified an exception.

Spikes of hydrogen chloride were detected in early summer, specifically above volcanic fissures on the flanks of the Alba Mons volcano. Scientists suggest these magmatic gases might rise through fissures, similar to fumaroles on Earth. The researchers propose that the gas may be blocked by ice during winter temperatures of -120°C, only to be released as the ice sublimates in early summer.

Geological Observations

Using the TGO’s CaSSIS camera, researchers observed fresh and narrow fissures, some measuring hundreds of metres long, associated with color changes on the surface. The team suggests this seepage is connected to a dormant magma chamber beneath the martian surface.

While orbital imagery shows some volcanoes may have been active within the last few million years and seismometers have detected marsquakes, no new lava flows or eruptions have ever been observed on Mars.

Implications for Life

Researchers noted that if lava rising through the crust meets groundwater, it could create warm, habitable niches.

“Looking for martian life in the seeping fissures of the Alba Mons region would make a lot of sense,” said Daniel Mège, Professor at the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences and co-lead author of the study. Mège stated that if hydrothermal systems are active, they could contain the energy and ingredients needed for microorganisms to develop.

Why it matters

• The detection of hydrogen chloride is a potential signature of igneous activity on Mars.
• The findings suggest Mars may have retained enough internal heat to support volcanic activity until recently, and possibly still does, according to Daniel Mège.
• Identifying active hydrothermal systems could provide new targets for the search for life on Mars.

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Sources

• eurekalert.org: European orbiter detects hints of volcanic activity on Mars | EurekAlert!
• nanowerk.com: European orbiter detects hints of volcanic activity on Mars

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.