# Mars (DD-130)

> Olympus Mons on Mars is a huge shield volcano, among the tallest known in the solar system. Its summit stands about 21.9 km (72,000 ft) above the Martian datum, roughly 2.5 times Mount Everest's height above sea level, and it's about 600 km wide. It formed through long-lived eruptions of fluid lava. Mars's low gravity and lack of plate tectonics let lava pile up over one hotspot. Some lava flows are geologically young, so it may not be entirely extinct. The footage shows renderings of Mars and Olympus Mons, with the presenter.

- Department: Space
- First published: 2023-12-19
- Last updated: 2023-12-19
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/mars/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-130-F01**: Olympus Mons is a shield volcano. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Shield volcano))_
- **DD-130-F02**: It stands about 21.9 km high. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (21.9 km))_

## Write-up

Mars has a volcano about 2.5 times taller than Everest. Olympus Mons rises about 21.9 km.

1. **Shield volcano**: Olympus Mons is a shield volcano.
2. **21.9 km**: It stands about 21.9 km high.
3. **600 km wide**: It's about 600 km across.
4. **No plate tectonics**: Lava piled up over one hotspot.
5. **Young flows**: Some flows are young, so it may not be fully extinct.

## Related case files

- [Mars Nights (DD-603)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/mars-nights/): I linked more about Mars
- [Earth (DD-131)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/earth/): I paired the two rocky neighbors

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed. Height is measured above the Martian datum, which isn't directly comparable to sea level.

## Video: Mars: Mars Has a Volcano About 2.5 Times Taller Than Everest

- Duration: 28.8 s · Published: 2023-12-19
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1Dz-JYt37E.mp4

### Transcript

Mars often referred to as the "Red Planet" boasts the tallest volcano in our solar system Olympus Mons. DID YOU KNOW? This colossal shield volcano stands height of approximately 72,000 feet 21.9 km, towering over Mount Everest the tallest mountain on Earth. Formed by ancient volcanic activity Olympus Mons is a captivating feature on Mars illustrating the planet's unique geological history. Despite its impressive size this giant volcano is thought to be dormant, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mars' dynamic past. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What type of volcano is Olympus Mons?**  
A: Broad and gentle. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Shield volcano) · Wikipedia: Olympus Mons)_

**Q: How tall is it?**  
A: Roughly 72,000 ft. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (21.9 km) · Wikipedia: Olympus Mons)_

**Q: How wide is it?**  
A: Huge footprint. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (600 km wide) · Wikipedia: Olympus Mons)_

**Q: Why could lava pile so high?**  
A: It stayed over one hotspot. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (No plate tectonics) · Wikipedia: Olympus Mons)_

**Q: Is it surely extinct?**  
A: Some flows are young. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Young flows) · Wikipedia: Olympus Mons)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Olympus Mons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_Mons)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Mars." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-130, last updated Dec 19, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/mars/