Mercury’s surface may not be stable over long periods of time, according to scientists. They have long believed that volcanic debris from deep within the planet has shaped many of Mercury’s distinct terrains. However, a new study suggests that volatile-driven resurfacing has played a major role in the evolution of the planet’s landscape. Alexis Rodriguez, a space research scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., explains that Mercury, despite its proximity to the sun, has managed to retain volatile compounds in its crust, possibly in large quantities. These volatiles may be responsible for the formation of chaotic terrains and glacier-like flows.
2024-01-04 09:00:00
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