For decades, scientists have studied Mars’ surface, searching for signs of water and understanding its climate. New research from Arizona State University and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory reveals a fascinating story: Martian volcanoes, far from being mere landscape features, played a crucial role in shaping the planet’s climate and water cycle.

Volcanic eruptions, both explosive and effusive, released lava and water vapor that created temporary warming, followed by cooling, allowing ice deposits to form even near the equator. Surprisingly, even quiet volcanoes that emitted water vapor slowly over time contributed to building thick ice layers. These findings suggest that volcanic activity may have delivered and preserved water on Mars for millions or even billions of years, offering new insights into its habitability.

Researchers also modeled five major volcanic centers - Cerberus Fossae, Apollinaris Mons, Elysium Mons, Hadriacus Mons, and Pityusa Patera - showing how water vapor condensed into frost or ice under specific climate conditions. By understanding these processes, scientists hope to guide future missions to locate subsurface ice and potential signs of past life.

Mars’ volcanoes, it turns out, were not just destroyers - they were architects of climate and water, quietly shaping the Red Planet’s story.