Mars gas near Alba Mons hints at ongoing volcanic activity

Scientists detected hydrogen chloride at parts-per-billion levels over Mars' Alba Mons during the cold aphelion season, when none was expected. High-resolution images revealed narrow fissures that could channel gas from magmatic bodies below, possibly through ice-rich permafrost. Researchers estimate seepage below 3 kilograms per second, comparable to low-end terrestrial volcanic fluxes, suggesting Mars may not be volcanically dead.