The large, bright circular region is Arabia Terra. Syrtis Major is the dark region toward the lower right. Ancient Mars was a more dynamic, Earth-like planet than it is today, say scientists.
New findings show surprising evidence of past movement of the Martian crust.
Scientists using the magnetometer onboard the Mars Global Surveyor have discovered banded patterns of magnetic fields on the Martian surface. The magnetic bands point in opposite directions, showing a striking similarity to patterns in the crust of Earth's sea floors. This means that plate tectonics may have played a role in the red planet's formation. It is a process that requires water, a basic precondition for life. On the Earth, the sea floor spreads apart slowly at mid-oceanic ridges as new crust flows up from Earth's hot interior.