An anomaly in Mars' mantle could trigger volcanoes to erupt — and may be causing the whole planet to spin faster

A close up of Olympus Mons on the surface of Mars, its structure a pile of brown lava in a large circular mount on the surface of the planet.

Scientists know that Mars spins a little faster each year, but the cause has been a mystery. Now, a new study published Feb. 18 in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets suggests the reason may lie deep underground, where a huge plume of buoyant rock could be stirring beneath the Red Planet's crust.

This strange plume could help to explain not just Mars' quicker rotation but also how the planet holds on to geologic heat far longer than expected — forcing scientists to rethink how small, rocky worlds cool and die.