In low latitudes, the crust of the planet is thicker and at the poles it gets thinner, a distribution which suggests that Mercury could have an outer core that is liquid. Relative to the planet itself, its core is large and comprises of 85% of the radius of the planet which is more than the radius of the earth. The findings point to a layer consisting of liquid iron sulphide lying beneath the crust of Mercury, which could make this planet very different from the other planets.
The elevation changes of Mercury are also pretty much smaller compared to moon or Mars, according to the new research. Among the more prominent topographic features is an uplift in the northern latitudes of the planet inside a major volcanic plain. This area has somehow lifted up after the plains were formed.
Some weird features related to the largest impact basin of Mercury, Caloris which is in fact one of the largest among craters in the solar system have also been observed. The floor of the 932 mile wide crater is presently higher compared to the rim, observed the scientists. The implication from this is that the Mercury underwent some significant topographic changes after it was formed – and this was perhaps caused by tectonic forces. However, this assumption still needs to be debated though an extended mission of one year could be helpful in settling it.
The two papers on findings related to Mercury will be published in the digital version of Science Express today. Some more absorbing findings from the Messenger’s mission in the first year are also available in the photo gallery.
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