The Martian Volcanoes

1. The Martian Volcanoes History Mars the Planet Olympus Mons Tharsis Conclusion

2. The Martian Volcanoes History Ancient Egyptian observations Copernicus in the 16th century Mid 19th century observations lead to crude maps Seasonal variations in colour, dust storms, mountain peaks Space exploration – The Mariner missions

3. The Martian Volcanoes Mars the Planet Known as the red planet due to iron oxide 28% of the Earth’s surface area 37% of the Earth’s gravity Thin atmosphere – 95% carbon dioxide Surface temperature -87c to -5c No plate tectonics Extinct volcanoes Mountains,valleys, plains, craters but little water Dry river beds – more water once existed

4. The Martian Volcanoes Northern polar areas (right) – Southern polar areas (left) differences The Tharsis Volcanoes Hellas Impact Crater VallesMarineris Elysium Planitia

5. The Martian Volcanoes Olympus Mons Largest known volcano in the solar system 22 km high, 600km wide at the base 6km high cliffs Central caldera 85km across and 2-3km deep Few impact craters – Young surface

6. The Martian Volcanoes Levees and channels on Olympus Mons – Mars Global Surveyor

7. The Martian Volcanoes The Tharsis Bulge Size – 7 km high , 5,000 km east- west, 2,500 km north- south borders ill defined Evolution - one big volcano ? Tharsis volcanoes Ascraeus Mons 18.1km Pavonis Mons 14 km Arsia Mons 19.2 km VallesMarineris Rift valley 4,000 km long,200 km wide

8. The Martian Volcanoes Conclusion Summary Current and future explorations Final thought

9. The Martian Volcanoes Cydonian Face – Picture taken by Viking 1 in 1976 – only an optical illusion – a pareidolia – like the man in the moon !