Mars' Interior
Mass of Mars is about 1/10 that of Earth.
Density:
- Density is 3950 kg/m^3.
- This is somewhat less than Earth's density.
- One would expect a similar interior composition, with a somewhat
smaller core.
- Also, Mars is smaller than the Earth, so it could have cooled off
more inside.
Magnetic field:
- Mars has no magnetic field.
- Core more viscous?
Result: we don't really know too much about Mars' interior. We can look
at its surface to find more clues.
ASTR 121 Home
Davison E. Soper, Institute of Theoretical Science,
University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403 USA
soper@bovine.uoregon.edu