Mars might have formed over longer time than previously thought

A study in Science Advances suggests that early large-scale collisions on Mars may have led to an underestimation of the planet's age. The Southwest Research Institute found that the tungsten content in Martian meteorites is highly varied, indicating that Mars formed rapidly in 2 to 4 million years. However, new models propose that Mars's formation involved significant collisions, creating a marbled mantle structure. This could mean Mars took 20 million years to fully form.

What does the new study in Science Advances suggest about Mars's early environment?

• It was similar to Earth's early environment.

• It was devoid of any significant events.

• It was chaotic with many large-scale collisions.

• It was calm and stable.

Why is tungsten important in understanding Mars's formation?

• It is a rare element found only on Mars.

• It is unaffected by planetary collisions.

• It helps determine the age of Mars due to its migration from the mantle to the core.

• It is the primary component of Martian soil.

How long did scientists initially believe Mars took to form?

• 2 to 4 million years

• 10 to 15 million years

• 20 to 25 million years

• 30 to 35 million years

What does the new model suggest about the time Mars took to become fully formed?

• 5 million years

• 30 million years

• 20 million years

• 10 million years

What effect did large collisions have on Mars's mantle according to the new model?

• They made it uniform.

• They had no effect.

• They created a marbled, heterogeneous structure.

• They caused it to disappear.