kozy138 t1_iu12mwq wrote
Reply to comment by Sierra-117- in A recently released set of topography maps provides new evidence for an ancient northern ocean on Mars. The maps offer the strongest case yet that the planet once experienced sea-level rise consistent with an extended warm and wet climate, not the harsh, frozen landscape that exists today. by Wagamaga
Without a core, how would Mars have been warm enough to contain liquid water? Extremely high salt concentrations that lower the melting temperatures?
Sierra-117- t1_iu19cto wrote
Very good question!
It was able to maintain liquid water through a thicker atmosphere than it currently has. Basically, a greenhouse effect. It would still be freezing at night though.
Sierra-117- t1_iu1dxy8 wrote
Also I realize my comment was confusing. I’m not saying it has a completely cool core, we’re a long way off from that. But it’s core is relatively cool, and therefore volcanic activity has pretty much ceased.
But the crust of a rocky planet gets most of its energy from the star it orbits
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