https://youtu.be/hPqNKHSqH7k

Source: https://shorturl.at/xyAIZ Researchers have found stronger evidence for the presence of granite, an igneous rock common on Earth, on Mars. This discovery suggests that Mars has a much more geologically complex history than previously believed, which was thought to consist mainly of basalt. The evidence comes from the detection of large amounts of feldspar, a mineral found in granite, within an ancient Martian volcano using remote sensing techniques. This volcano is unique because its surface is kept relatively dust-free by fast-moving sand dunes, allowing for better spectral analysis. The near absence of dark minerals typically found in Martian basalts further supports the presence of granite-like rock. The research team proposes a new theory for how granite could have formed on Mars, despite the lack of Earth-like plate tectonics. They suggest that prolonged magmatic activity within Martian volcanoes allowed for a process called fractionation or igneous distillation. Over billions of years, as magma slowly cooled, lower-density, silica-rich melt separated from denser crystals, eventually forming granite. This process is analogous to the formation of granitic plutons on Earth, such as those at Yosemite. While another study suggests the feldspar-rich signature could indicate anorthosite (a rock common on the Moon), the context of the discovery within a volcano strengthens the argument for granite, indicating a more diverse volcanic history on Mars. P. Geo. Ricardo A Valls, M. Sc. and Geo Gadfly Valls Geoconsultant ORCID ID- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5421-0914 Scopus Author ID: 7003369619/35335510700 ResearcherID: S-6604-2018 If you like this content, please "buy me a coffee" https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goldendroplets