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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Tectonic implications of Mars crustal magnetism
J E P Connerney1, M H Acuña, N F Ness
1National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA. jack.connerney@nasa.gov
Summary
Mars once had a magnetic field, evidenced by magnetized crust. A new map reveals crustal magnetic field variations linked to faults, suggesting early plate tectonics on Mars.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geophysics
- Astrogeology
Background:
- Mars lacks a present-day global magnetic field of internal origin.
- The Martian crust exhibits intense magnetization, indicating a past magnetic field.
- Thermoremanent magnetization likely occurred during cooling in a magnetic field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new, high-resolution map of the magnetic field of Mars.
- To gain new insights into the origin and evolution of the Martian crust.
- To investigate the relationship between crustal magnetic field variations and geological features.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magnetic field measurements acquired by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft.
- Compiling a new map of the Martian magnetic field at an approximately 400-km altitude.
- Analyzing spatial resolution and sensitivity of the magnetic field data.
Main Results:
- The new map reveals variations in the crustal magnetic field.
- Magnetic field variations correlate with major faults, including Cerberus Rupes and Valles Marineris.
- Two parallel great faults were identified in Terra Meridiani by offset magnetic field contours.
Conclusions:
- The Martian crustal magnetic field variations provide insight into its origin and evolution.
- The identified faults resemble Earth's transform faults, supporting early plate tectonics on Mars.
- The findings suggest that Mars' crust formed during an early period of plate tectonic activity.
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