Olympus Mons
Olympus Mons is one of the defining features of Mars. Olympus
Mons is the largest volcano known in the solar system. It is classified as a shield
volcano, similar to volcanoes in Hawaii. The central edifice of Olympus Mons has a
summit caldera 24 kilometers (15 miles) above the surrounding plains. Surrounding
the volcano is an outward-facing scarp 550 kilometers (342 miles) in diameter and several
kilometers high. Beyond the scarp is a moat filled with lava, most likely derived from
Olympus Mons. Farther out is an aureole of characteristically grooved terrain, just
visible at the top of the frame.
Olympus Mons Quicktime VR
Olympus Mons Quicktime VR2
