3 - The Tharsis Province

Abstract

The Tharsis Province is the largest and youngest volcanic region of Mars, and includes the giant shield volcanoes Olympus Mons and the three Tharsis Montes (Arsia, Pavonis, and Ascraeus Montes). Extensive studies of the styles of volcanic activity within Tharsis have been conducted over the past 45 years, and have identified numerous lava flows in excess of 150km long, multiple caldera collapse events, and the possibility that explosive volcanism (perhaps due to phreatomagmatic activity) took place. Glacial and tectonic events have also been described. By virtue of the apparent age of the lava flows found in this area, the Tharsis Province is the most likely source of Martian meteorites.