Work

Precipitation induced by explosive volcanism on Mars and its implications for unexpected equatorial ice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Explosive volcanism occurred on Mars during its early history (Noachian-Hesperian; ~4.1-3.0 Ga). Because of Mars' cold atmospheric temperatures, water released from explosive eruptions may precipitate as ice or ice-ash aggregates. This process may have supplied ice to equatorial regions, which contain high excess hydrogen and potential buried ice deposits. We simulate explosive volcanic eruptions using the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique Generic Planetary Climate Model and find that up to ~5 meters of ice is delivered to the surface in only one high-magnitude eruptive event. This ice can persist for long periods if preserved by widespread cooling from volcanic sulfuric acid or by burial under dust or pyroclasts. Here we show that over time, explosive eruptions may have served as a recurring mechanism for delivering ice to the equator, explaining elevated ice content at low latitudes independent of obliquity.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63518-8

Authors: Saira S. Hamid, Laura Kerber, Amanda B. Clarke

Institutions: Arizona State University, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, INGV Sezione di Pisa

Language: English

Topic: Planetary Science and Exploration

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990