Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth with 29,032 feet length, but have you ever thought if it is the tallest in our Solar System? The answer is no. So, which mountain holds that title? In our solar system, Everest pales in comparison to Olympus Mons on Mars. Standing at an impressive 16 miles (25 kilometres) high, it is the tallest mountain known to humankind. Olympus Mons also holds the title of the largest volcano in the solar system.
The Scale of Olympus Mons
This massive volcano spans approximately 374 miles (601 km), roughly the size of Arizona. It is located in the Tharsis Montes region, near Mars's equator. Among the many volcanoes in this region, Olympus Mons is unique. Most of these volcanoes tower ten to a hundred times higher than those on Earth.
The mountain’s shape is distinctive. Unlike typical volcanoes that erupt violently, Olympus Mons is a shield volcano. Its lava flows gently down its slopes, creating a gradual incline. This results in an average slope of just 5 percent. Interestingly, the top layer of lava is relatively young. The last eruption likely occurred within the last 25 million years, suggesting the volcano could still be active.
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The summit features six overlapping calderas, forming a vast depression. This area spans about 53 miles (85 km) in width. In contrast, the mountain’s base measures 341 miles (549 km) wide, comparable to Mississippi’s size.
Factors Contributing to Its Size
The sheer scale of Olympus Mons is remarkable, especially considering Mars is half the size of Earth. Scientists attribute the mountain's immense size to three factors: volcanic activity, tectonic movement, and lower gravity. These elements allow the mountain to develop and remain stable for an extended time.
Measuring terrain heights on Mars is challenging due to the lack of surface water. To simplify measurements, scientists define a reference point called the areoid. This geoid represents the gravitational and rotational balance of Mars. Understanding this unique feature helps researchers appreciate the grandeur of Olympus Mons.
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