What characteristic of the crust on Mars allows Olympus Mons to remain standing?

What characteristic of the crust on Mars allows Olympus Mons to remain standing?

• A. It is constantly reshaping
• B. It is very thin
• C. It is quite thick
• D. It is made of sedimentary rock

Answer: (C)

Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, remains standing primarily due to the thick characteristic of Mars' crust. A thick crust can support the immense weight of such a large volcanic structure without it collapsing under its own gravity. Unlike Earth, where tectonic activity can lead to the movement and recycling of crustal material, the Martian crust has remained largely stable. This stability allows Olympus Mons to maintain its towering height, which is about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) compared to Mount Everest's height of 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers). The thickness of the crust provides adequate structural support for the enormous amounts of lava that have built up over millions of years, enabling the volcano to grow to such impressive dimensions. If the crust were thin, as it is in some regions of Earth, it would not be able to support a volcano of that size due to the increased risk of structural failure. In summary, the thick crust of Mars is essential for allowing Olympus Mons to stand tall and endure the geological pressures over time.

Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, remains standing primarily due to the thick characteristic of Mars' crust. A thick crust can support the immense weight of such a large volcanic structure without it collapsing under its own gravity. Unlike Earth, where tectonic activity can lead to the movement and recycling of crustal material, the Martian crust has remained largely stable. This stability allows Olympus Mons to maintain its towering height, which is about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) compared to Mount Everest's height of 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers).

The thickness of the crust provides adequate structural support for the enormous amounts of lava that have built up over millions of years, enabling the volcano to grow to such impressive dimensions. If the crust were thin, as it is in some regions of Earth, it would not be able to support a volcano of that size due to the increased risk of structural failure.

In summary, the thick crust of Mars is essential for allowing Olympus Mons to stand tall and endure the geological pressures over time.