Landmarks on Mars

Olympus Mons

This Martian volcano, whose name means Mount Olympus, is the largest-known volcano in the solar system. The largest volcanic mountain on Earth, Mauna Loa, is a dwarf by comparison. Olympus Mons is a shield volcano measuring more than 24 km (15 miles) above its surrounding surface; Mauna Loa is just 9.1 km (5.6 mi) above its surrounding area. The Mariner 9 spacecraft provided the first clear views of Olympus Mons.

Tharsis Bulge

This plateau is located north of Mars' equator. Olympus Mons towers on the northwest side with the Valles Marineris canyon to the southwest.

Valles Marineris

A canyon whose name means "Martian canyon," runs across one fourth of Mars' surface. It measures about 150 km (90 miles) wide and 10 km (6 miles) deep.

Cerberus Province

This area has about nine low shield volcanoes with circular to linear vents. These vents are associated with extensive lava flows. These flows are believed to be among the youngest volcanic features on Mars. It is located south of Elysium Mons in the Cerberus Planitia region.

Related Web sites

• Mars Map