Context:
Scientists recently discovered a massive volcano on Mars, temporarily designated ‘Noctis volcano’, that has been active until recent times, with the possible remains of a relict glacier at its base.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Noctis Volcano
The Noctis Volcano is a significant geological feature recently discovered on Mars. Here are the key points about the Noctis Volcano:
- Location: The Noctis Volcano is situated just south of Mars’ equator, specifically in Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, which is west of Valles Marineris, the planet’s vast canyon system.
- Geographical Context: The volcano is positioned on the eastern edge of Tharsis, a broad regional topographic rise on Mars. Tharsis is known for being the location of several other giant volcanoes, including Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons.
- Size: The Noctis Volcano is a massive structure, with an elevation exceeding 9,022 meters (about 29,593 feet), making it taller than Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. It spans over a wide area, with a width of more than 450 kilometers (about 280 miles).
- Geological Features: The central summit area of the volcano is characterized by several elevated mesas forming an arc. These mesas reach a regional high and slope downhill away from the summit area. The outer slopes of the volcano extend outward for up to 225 kilometers (about 140 miles) in different directions.
- Caldera Remnant: Near the center of the volcano’s structure, there is a caldera remnant, which is the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater that once hosted a lava lake.
- Geological Deposits: Various geological features are present within the Noctis Volcano’s perimeter, including lava flows, pyroclastic deposits (comprising volcanic particulate materials such as ash, cinders, pumice, and tephra), and hydrated mineral deposits.
- Glacier Ice: In the southeastern part of the volcano, there is evidence of a thin, recent volcanic deposit beneath which glacier ice is likely still present. This suggests the presence of ice beneath the surface of Mars, particularly in regions associated with volcanic activity.
-Source: Indian Express
