Olympus Mons

Olympus Mons (Latin, "Mount Olympus") is the tallest known mountain in our solar system, located on the planet Mars at approximately {{coor d|18|N|226|E|globe:Mars}}. In the days before space probes revealed its identity as a mountain, Olympus Mons was known to astronomers as the albedo feature, Nix Olympica ("Snows of Olympus").

Volcanism

Olympus Mons is a shield volcano, the result of highly fluid lava flowing out of volcanic vents over a long period of time, and is much wider than it is tall; the average slope of Olympus Mons' flanks is very gradual. In 2004 the Mars Express orbiter imaged lava flows on the flanks of Olympus Mons that appear to be only 2 million years old, very recent in geological terms, suggesting that the mountain may yet have some ongoing volcanic activity.

Related Topics:
Shield volcano - Lava - 2004 - Mars Express

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The Hawaiian Islands are examples of similar shield volcanoes on a smaller scale (see Mauna Loa). The extraordinary size of Olympus Mons is likely due to the fact that Mars does not have tectonic plates. Thus, the crust remained fixed over a hot spot and continued to discharge lava, bringing the volcano to such a height.

Related Topics:
Hawaiian Islands - Mauna Loa - Tectonic plates - Hot spot

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