The gravity of Mars is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass around Mars are brought towards it. It is weaker than Earth 's gravity owing to the planet 's smaller mass. The average gravitational acceleration on Mars is 3.72076 ms (about 38 % of that of Earth) and it varies laterally. In general, topography - controlled isostasy drives the short wavelength free - air gravity anomalies. At the same time, convective flow and finite strength of the mantle lead to long - wavelength planetary - scale free - air gravity anomalies over the entire planet. Variation in crustal thickness, magmatic and volcanic activities, impact - induced Moho - uplift, seasonal variation of polar ice caps, atmospheric mass variation and variation of porosity of the crust could also correlate to the lateral variations. Over the years models consisting of an increasing but limited number of spherical harmonics have been produced. Maps produced have included free - air gravity anomaly, Bouguer gravity anomaly, and crustal thickness. In some areas of Mars there is a correlation between gravity anomalies and topography. Given the known topography, higher resolution gravity field can be inferred. Tidal deformation of Mars by the Sun or Phobos can be measured by its gravity. This reveals how stiff the interior is, and shows that the core is partially liquid. The study of surface gravity of Mars can therefore yield information about different features and provide beneficial information for future landing projects.
what is the force of gravity at the surface of mars
3.72076 ms (about 38 % of that of Earth)