Alba Patera
Alba Patera is a large shield volcano in the Tharsis region. Its summit is low, only six kilometers above the surrounding terrain, but it covers an area greater than Olympus Mons. In terms of area, it is the largest volcano on Mars; indeed, it would cover a large part of the United States.[1] Alba Mons is centered at 40.47N and 250.4E (109.6 W) in the Arcadia quadrangle.[2] However, much of the volcano's western flank is located in the adjacent Diacria quadrangle.
Many tectonic features are found near Alba Mons in the form of faults and graben. Grabens form when the crust is stretched and a section moves down. One area just to the south is called Ceraunius Fossae. A group of faults just to the east is called Tantalus Fossae. Several possible causes have been suggested for these features, but it is probable that the weight of nearby Olympus Mons is involved.
Many lava flows are visible on the mountain, especially in the form of sheet flows, lava tubes, and lava channels.[3] [4] Lava tubes have been suggested as a good site for future colonists, as they would offer protection from the extreme weather and radiation.
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- ↑ Carr, M. 2006. The surface of Mars. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-87201-0
- ↑ Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Science Center
- ↑ Carr, M.H.; Greeley, R.; Blasius, K.R.; Guest, J.E.; Murray, J.B. 1977. Some Martian Volcanic Features as Viewed From the Viking Orbiters. J. Geophys. Res. 82 (28): 3985–4015.
- ↑ Pieri, D.; Schneeberger, D. 1988. Morphology of Lava Flows at Alba Patera. 19th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abstract #1471.
