Olympus Mons

The highest mountain on Mars and the largest known mountain in the Sol system.

The surface of the summit plateau's eastern flank shows lava flows that are several kilometers long and a few hundred meters wide. Age determinations show they are up to 200 million years old - in some places even older - indicating episodic geological activity.

The lowland plains that lie to the east typically have a smooth surface. Several channel-like features are visible and form a broad network of intersecting channels several kilometers long and up to 40 meters deep.

Several incisions suggest a tectonic control, while others show streamlined islands and terraced walls suggesting outflow activity. Age determinations show that the network-bearing area was geologically active as recent as 30 million years ago.

Between the edge of the lowland and the bottom of the volcano slope, there are wrinkle ridges, which are interpreted as results of compression deformation. In some places, wrinkle ridges border the arch-like terraces at the foot of the volcano slope.