Scientists are investigating the question: Is Mars a dead planet or is it still geologically active? There obviously was quite a lot of volcanic evidence in the past. Gigantic volcanoes are scattered over the surface but they may be extinct. Some researchers have found evidence of relatively recent lava flows, based on counting the number of meteor craters. There are lava flow areas that are practically crater-less which suggests they're fairly recent. The Mars Odyssey orbiter's THEMIS instrument should be able to detect hot spots on Mars if there are any. THEMIS has infrared night-vision and is searching for heat anomalies on the night side of Mars. If one is found, it would be considered a promising site for Martian life.