News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Mars Orbiter Finds Gas Near Alba Mons Volcano

In this lesson: Identify the measured gas and the images used alongside it.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

A spacecraft orbiting Mars has detected traces of a gas called hydrogen chloride near the Alba Mons volcano. A research team reported the finding in a study discussed by the European Space Agency on November 4.

The scientists combined gas measurements with images of cracks in the area. They say one possible explanation is that gas is escaping from hot rock deep underground.

The idea could help scientists understand whether Mars still has volcanic activity. It is not proof of an eruption: no new lava flows or eruptions have been observed on the planet.

Source: European Space Agency, 2026-11-04. https://blogs.esa.int/to-mars-and-back/2026/11/04/geological-intuition-for-mars/

Read and practise

1. What gas did the orbiter detect near Alba Mons?

   1. Hydrogen chloride
   2. Carbon dioxide
   3. Water vapour only

2. What did researchers combine with gas measurements?

   1. Images confirming a currently erupting volcano
   2. Samples collected directly from the underground rock
   3. Images of cracks in the area

Your turn

Explain the possible underground source of the gas and why the finding is not proof of an eruption.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/mars-alba-mons-hydrogen-chloride-volcanism-november-2026/level-2/