Types of volcanoes on Mars: Mons, Tholus and Patera

The planet Mars, known as the “red planet”, not only fascinates with its desert landscapes and thin atmosphere, but also with its past geological activity, evidenced by its impressive volcanoes. These Martian volcanoes, classified into different types such as Mons, Tholus and Patera, offer a unique window to understand the geological evolution of the planet and its potential to have hosted life in the past.

Mons: The Giants of Mars

Mons-type volcanoes on Mars are literally the giants of the solar system. “Mons” is the Latin word for “mountain” and is used to describe the tallest and most massive volcanic structures on the planet.

Olympus Mons

The most prominent example is Olympus Monsthe largest volcano in the solar system. At about 22 kilometers tall (more than twice that of Mount Everest) and with a diameter of nearly 600 kilometers, Olympus Mons is a testament to the intense volcanic activity that once existed on Mars. Its colossal size is due to the lack of active tectonic plates on Mars, which allowed the volcano to grow without shifting.

Characteristics of the Mons

• Height and width: Mons-type volcanoes are extremely tall and wide.
• BoilersThey have large calderas at their summits, formed by the collapse of the magma chamber after an eruption.
• Soft Slopes: Its slopes have relatively gentle gradients, indicating eruptions of fluid lava that spread over great distances before solidifying.

Tholus: Medium Volcanoes

Tholus-type volcanoes are intermediate in size and have a more domed shape. “Tholus” means “dome” in Latin, and these volcanoes tend to be less massive than Mons, but are still impressive compared to terrestrial volcanoes.

Ceraunus tholus

A significant example is Ceraunus tholuswhich rises approximately 5.5 kilometers above the Martian surface. This volcano shows a more compact and elevated structure, with a prominent dome and collapse craters at its summit.

Characteristics of the Tholus

• Intermediate Size: Smaller than the Mons but larger than the Patera.
• Domed Shape: They have a domed appearance due to their steeper profile.
• Mixed Volcanic Activity: They may present a combination of explosive and effusive eruptions.

Patera: Wide and Low Volcanoes

Patera-type volcanoes are the lowest and widest, characterized by large calderas and gentle slopes. “Patera” means “plate” in Latin, reflecting their flat and extended appearance.

Alba Patera

Alba Patera It is one of the most prominent examples of its kind. Although not as high as the Mons, its extent is vast, with a diameter extending over 1,600 kilometres. Alba Patera is notable for its extremely fluid lava eruptions, which have created extensive volcanic plains.

(Photo: JMARS/Arizona State University)

Features of the Patera

• Wide Extension: They have a large horizontal extension but are relatively low in height.
• Large boilers: They have large calderas at their peaks.
• Soft Slopes: The slopes are very gently sloping, indicating very fluid lava flows.

Scientific Importance

Studying these types of volcanoes on Mars not only helps us understand the geological history of the planet, but also has implications for astrobiology and future exploration. Past volcanic activity could have created environments conducive to life, providing essential warmth and nutrients.

Research and Exploration

Space missions such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey have provided detailed images and topographical data of these volcanoes, allowing scientists to study their structures and compositions in great detail. These studies are crucial for planning future manned missions and establishing possible bases on Mars.