CONSTRAINTS ON THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF MARS FROM THERMAL EVOLUTION MODELS

A numerical model of the thermal evolution of Mars was developed, solv ing simultaneously the equations for energy conservation and hydrostat ic equilibrium throughout the planet, and using an equation of state t hat includes the computation of the thermal pressure according to the Debye theory. Based on the known values of the size and mass of Mars, and choosing the value of 0.365 for the inertia factor, we determine t he initial mass fractions of different materials constituting the core and mantle of Mars. The abundance ratios of the components are descri bed by three parameters. Two of these parameters are fixed by the radi us and inertia factor of Mars, while the third remains free. Several m odels that match the present radius and inertia factor were found, dis tinguished by their initial composition. The thermal evolution and pre sent internal state of these models were evaluated, in order to establ ish constraints on the composition and internal structure of Mars.