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What kind of volcano is Olympus Mons on Mars?

Olympus Mons is a shield volcano, the largest known volcano in the Solar System.

Did you know?

Did you know that Olympus Mons on Mars is the largest volcano in the solar system? Standing at a staggering 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) high, it is about three times the height of Mount Everest! This massive shield volcano has a diameter of approximately 370 miles (600 kilometers), making it nearly equivalent to the state of Arizona. Unlike most volcanoes on Earth, Olympus Mons does not have steep slopes or a pointed peak. Instead, it has a gently sloping shield shape, similar to the shape of a warrior's shield, which is how it earned its name. Scientists believe that Olympus Mons formed due to a combination of low gravity, thin Martian atmosphere, and the slow movement of tectonic plates on Mars. Fascinatingly, the volcano is so large that its immense weight has caused the Martian crust to bend and deform, resulting in a series of cracks and faults around its base. These interesting geological features provide valuable insights into the volcanic activity and geology of the Red Planet.