For decades, scientists have scoured Mars for signs of life, past or present.
While no definitive evidence has surfaced yet, a new study suggests an unexpected source of biological potential: Marsquakes.
The grinding and fracturing of rocks caused by seismic activity may generate enough hydrogen to sustain microbial life beneath the planet’s surface.
This finding stems from a study of ancient rocks in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, where researchers discovered that earthquakes on Earth release hydrogen as rocks grind together.
If the same process occurs on Mars, even its mild seismic activity could create pockets of hydrogen-rich environments—potential sanctuaries for microbial life.
“Previous work has suggested that hydrogen is produced during earthquakes when rocks fracture and grind together,” explains Sean McMahon, a geologist at Yale University.
“Our measurements suggest that enough hydrogen is produced to support the growth of microorganisms around active faults.”
On Earth, hydrogen-rich environments have been found in deep ocean vents and underground rock formations, both of which support microbial ecosystems.
Could something similar be happening beneath Mars’ barren surface?
Could Mars Be More Alive Than We Thought?
For years, the prevailing belief has been that Mars is largely inhospitable to life.
With its thin, carbon dioxide-heavy atmosphere and frigid temperatures, the Red Planet lacks the conditions necessary to support life as we know it on the surface.
However, this new study challenges that assumption, suggesting that Mars’ underground environment might be chemically richer than previously thought.
McMahon and his team identified a particular type of rock, pseudotachylites, which forms during seismic activity when rocks melt and fuse under extreme pressure.
These rocks, sometimes called “fossil earthquakes,” were found to contain tiny pockets of trapped hydrogen, indicating that similar formations on Mars might also store the gas.
“Mars is not very seismically active,” McMahon acknowledges, “but our work shows that even small Marsquakes could produce enough hydrogen to support tiny populations of microorganisms, at least for short periods of time.”
This is a game-changer because while humans rely on oxygen, certain types of microorganisms—such as those found in Earth’s deep-sea hydrothermal vents—can survive using hydrogen as an energy source.
If Mars has similar conditions underground, microbial life could potentially exist beneath the surface, shielded from the harsh radiation that bombards the planet’s exterior.
Searching for Signs of Life
While this study is based on findings from Earth, it lays the groundwork for future research on Mars.
In 2018, NASA launched the InSight lander, a probe designed to measure seismic activity on the planet.
Scientists hope that InSight’s data will help determine how frequently Marsquakes occur and whether they might be producing hydrogen in significant quantities.
Although more than 95% of Mars’ atmosphere is carbon dioxide, scientists have detected traces of hydrogen escaping the planet, a sign that it could be produced below the surface.
If NASA’s instruments confirm hydrogen production near fault lines, it would be a huge step toward understanding the planet’s potential for life.
Hydrogen’s presence on Mars isn’t just exciting for astrobiology—it could also play a critical role in future human exploration.
On the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts already use a chemical process that combines hydrogen with carbon dioxide to create oxygen for breathing.
If Mars has natural hydrogen reserves, future settlers could potentially extract and use it for survival, water production, or even fuel.
How This Changes Mars Exploration
The discovery of hydrogen-rich rock formations on Earth opens up intriguing possibilities for Mars.
If seismic activity is indeed generating hydrogen underground, then:
- There could be pockets of microbial life beneath the surface, hidden from harsh radiation and extreme temperatures.
- Future Mars missions should target seismic hotspots as prime locations for biological exploration.
- Terraforming Mars may be more feasible than we thought, as natural hydrogen reserves could support oxygen production for human missions.
Of course, much remains unknown. McMahon’s research does not confirm the presence of hydrogen-rich rocks on Mars—only that the conditions for their formation may exist. However, it provides a compelling reason to investigate further.
The search for life beyond Earth is one of humanity’s greatest quests.
Every new discovery—whether it’s water ice, methane plumes, or potential hydrogen reserves—adds another piece to the puzzle.
While we may still be far from confirming extraterrestrial life, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Mars may not be as lifeless as we once believed.
Looking Ahead
The next step is to send rovers and probes to Mars’ seismic regions to test for hydrogen presence directly.
If hydrogen is found in sufficient quantities, it will not only increase the odds of microbial life existing but also transform how we approach colonization.
In the grand scheme of space exploration, the discovery of hydrogen-producing Marsquakes could be one of the most profound breakthroughs yet.
It hints at a chemically dynamic world, full of potential—and perhaps, even the first true evidence of alien life.
The search continues, but one thing is certain: Mars is keeping its secrets well. And we’re getting closer than ever to uncovering them.
