CAUSES OF VOLCANIC GIGANTISM AND EVIDENCE OF “YOUNG” VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON MARS

The enormous size of shield volcanoes on Mars is explained by the absence of plate tectonics. Therefore, the “hot spot” under the Martian lithosphere will remain in the same place relative to the surface for billions of years. This allows lava from the same source to build a huge volcanic mountain. Observations collected by recent space missions, obtained by the seismometer on the InSight spacecraft, have provided evidence that Mars continues to demonstrate significant geological activity. Modern volcanic activity can create hydrothermal systems under the surface, in which there will still be heat, water and other chemical elements can interact and create conditions that are potentially favorable for the development of microbial life forms.