Mars canyon system remains tectonically active scientists discover

Scientists at Imperial College London and Columbia University have discovered that the largest canyon system in the solar system is still tectonically active, according to Universe Today. The findings show that internal forces are actively shaping the surface of Mars today, billions of years after the canyon first formed. [1]

For many decades, scientists assumed that Mars was geologically inactive, Universe Today reported. While the surface of the planet features extensive evidence of ancient volcanic past, researchers previously believed that all geological processes on Mars had ceased. [1]

The assumption that Mars was geologically dead was consistent with its planetary structure, Universe Today said. The crust of Mars consists of a single plate rather than individual tectonic plates, making it a stagnant lid planet. However, seismic data collected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration InSight lander changed this view, as FTMQ Space reported earlier. [1][5]

As FTMQ Space reported earlier, data gathered by the retired uncrewed InSight lander confirmed that a marsquake originated 12 to 15 miles beneath the surface of the canyon system. This seismic activity was caused by rocks slipping along a deep fault inside Valles Marineris. [5]