Unveiling Mars: The Hidden Molten Layers Beneath
Geophysical evidence from seismic data collected by the NASA InSight mission suggests the presence of an enriched molten silicate layer, known as the basal mantle layer (BML), above Mars's core. This BML, which is strongly enriched in iron and heat-producing elements, acts as a buffer between the core and mantle, reducing heat transfer and influencing Mars's thermochemical evolution. The presence of the BML explains the observed seismic reflections occurring above the core-mantle boundary (CMB) and suggests a smaller and denser core than previously inferred. These findings challenge the assumption of a homogeneous Martian mantle and provide new insights into the internal structure of Mars.