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Headline: European orbiter detects current volcanic activity on Mars raising hopes of finding life
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: MARK WORGAN Scientists have discovered new evidence suggesting Mars may still have volcanic activity beneath its surface. The findings, based on gas detected above volcanic fissures, suggest the Red Planet may retain enough internal heat to sustain geological activity deep underground. An international research team led by Alexander Trokhimovskiy believes the release of hydrogen chloride gas is linked to hot magma beneath the surface, potentially indicating dormant volcanic activity. The discovery centres on the Alba Mons region, where newly identified fissures may be allowing gases from the planet's interior to escape into the atmosphere. The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) first detected hydrogen chloride in the Martian atmosphere in 2021. On Earth, the gas is commonly released through volcanic vents, prompting scientists to investigate whether a similar process could be taking place on Mars. “Our findings suggest that Mars has retained enough internal heat to support volcanic activity until recently, and possibly still does,” says Daniel Mège, professor at the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences and co-lead author of a study published in Science Advances on 4 November. The discovery began when researchers identified unusual spikes of hydrogen chloride in the Martian atmosphere during early summer in the planet's northern hemisphere. The gas normally follows a seasonal pattern, reaching its highest concentrations during northern hemisphere winter before largely disappearing in summer. Much of this variation appears to be linked to the planet's dust and water cycles. However, scientists identified an exception: hydrogen chloride repeatedly appeared in the same location and at the same time of year, above volcanic fissures on the slopes of Alba Mons. The gas was detected in early summer, shortly after winter frost begins to sublimate – changing directly from ice into water vapour. Mars is home to the largest volcanoes in the Solar System, but many had thought volcanic activity had ceased a long time ago. However, images taken from orbit suggest some volcanoes may have been active within the past few million years, while seismic instruments have detected marsquakes – the planet's equivalent of earthquakes. Both findings indicate that Mars may not be entirely volcanically inactive. However, no new lava flows or eruptions have been observed. The latest research combines atmospheric observations with geological analysis. Researchers first identified unusually localised concentrations of hydrogen chloride using infrared spectrometers aboard the Trace Gas Orbiter's Atmospheric Chemistry Suite. They then examined the Alba Mons region using the spacecraft's Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS). The images revealed narrow, apparently fresh fissures, some extending for hundreds of metres, accompanied by changes in the colour of the surrounding surface. “The Trace Gas Orbiter was able to find the smoking gun. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s truly amazing that it spotted a handful of molecules from a perhaps intermittent source, whilst moving continuously along its orbit to monitor the whole martian atmosphere,” explains Daniel. Scientists believe gases released by magma beneath the surface could be travelling upwards through the fissures, in a process similar to the activity of fumaroles – volcanic gas vents – on Earth. During the Martian winter, temperatures can fall to about -120C, allowing ice to block the fissures. As temperatures rise in early summer and the ice sublimates, the trapped gases may escape into the atmosphere, releasing hydrogen chloride. The researchers also suggest that the discolouration around the fissures could be caused by deposits left behind by escaping gases, similar to those found around volcanic vents on Earth. The link between the atmospheric gas and the geological features emerged through the researchers' examination of the data. “Looking at the spatial distribution of the seeping, it became instantly obvious to me that there was something volcanic behind it, but it had to be demonstrated,” concedes Daniel. “A huge part of the work consisted of examining all the possible chemical processes going on in the martian atmosphere. We needed to be rigorous, critical and creative to explain the presence of hydrogen chloride. The data were complex, but also excellent brain food,” adds Daniel. The team believes the gas release could be connected to a dormant magma chamber – part of an underground volcanic system beneath the Martian surface. The findings could also have implications for the search for life on Mars. Volcanic gases such as hydrogen chloride may have been more abundant in the planet's past, potentially contributing to a thicker atmosphere and warmer climate. Those conditions could have allowed liquid water to exist across much of the Martian surface. Researchers also suggest that if rising magma comes into contact with groundwater, it could create warm environments beneath the surface that might be suitable for microbial life. “Looking for martian life in the seeping fissures of the Alba Mons region would make a lot of sense. If hydrothermal systems are active, they could contain the ingredients and energy needed for microorganisms to develop, and shield microorganisms from the hostile and changing environment above the surface,” ponders Daniel. Such environments could provide protection from the harsh conditions on the planet's surface, while offering the water, chemical ingredients and energy that microorganisms need to survive. The discovery could therefore help scientists identify promising locations in the search for evidence of past or present life on Mars. “These findings may prove to be TGO’s greatest success yet,” highlights Colin Wilson, ESA’s project scientist for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. The research, titled Enigmatic HCl detections as a potential signature of igneous activity on Mars, was published in Science Advances on 4 November 2026.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,mars,space,volcano,science
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