Scientists Found Martian Mantle Temperature Anomaly
Researchers discovered the planet's southern mantle is significantly warmer than the north.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Geology
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A study published in Nature reveals that the southern Martian mantle is 200 to 400 degrees Celsius warmer than the northern regions. Researchers identified this disparity using 16 years of NASA orbital gravitational tracking data.
Why it matters
This discovery challenges previous models assuming uniform internal heat on Mars and provides new insight into the planet's geological evolution. The findings suggest that thermal asymmetry persists beneath the surface, potentially explaining geological features like young volcanic activity.
The study utilized tidal tomography to analyze deformation and gravitational variations over 16 years. Scientists observed a 300 percent variance in seasonal gravity, indicating heat signatures differ sharply between the southern and northern hemispheres.
The players
NASA
This United States government agency is responsible for the civilian space program and the collection of planetary orbital data.
Nature
This is a multidisciplinary scientific journal that publishes peer-reviewed research across all fields of science and technology.
InSight mission
This robotic lander was designed to study the deep interior of Mars using a seismometer and other geophysical instruments.
The details
Researchers determined that seismic waves captured by the InSight mission lost energy faster in the southern highlands compared to the northern lowlands, signaling higher temperatures. This thermal gradient may be linked to active regions such as the Cerberus Fossae and Elysium Planitia.
Timeline
3.5 billion years ago marked the end of extensive crustal recycling on the planet.
The study analyzed gravitational tracking data collected over the past 16 years.
Findings were published in the journal Nature in September 2026.
Deeper Dive
This discovery follows a pattern set by the 100-to-200-kelvin thermal asymmetry found inside the Moon. It suggests that planetary cooling is not a uniform process, forcing a reassessment of geological models for rocky bodies in the solar system.
While these findings relate to deep planetary processes, the validation of tidal tomography as a measurement tool could allow for future low-cost exploration of other planets. This method may eliminate the immediate requirement for surface seismometers to characterize distant subsurface environments.
The takeaway
The study suggests that geological activity on other planets can be measured remotely through gravitational monitoring. This approach provides a new framework for scientists to study planetary interiors without the need for complex, mission-heavy landing equipment.
Further reading
Learn more about the planet's structure in the Geology section.
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