ESA title
Pavonis Mons
Science & Exploration

Lava tubes on Pavonis Mons

23/05/2006 11677 views 24 likes
ESA / Science & Exploration / Space Science / Mars Express

These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express, show Pavonis Mons, the central volcano of the three 'shield' volcanoes that comprise Tharsis Montes.

Map showing Pavonis Mons in context
Map showing Pavonis Mons in context

ESA's Mars Express spacecraft obtained these images using the HRSC during orbit 902 with a ground resolution of approximately 14.3 metres per pixel. The images were acquired in the region of Pavonis Mons, at approximately 0.6° South and 246.4° East.

The context map is centred on Pavonis Mons, one of the three volcanoes called Tharsis Montes (the others being Arsia and Ascreus Montes, aligned with Pavonis in a line nearly 1500 km long).

Pavonis Mons in Tharsis Montes
Pavonis Mons in Tharsis Montes

Pavonis Mons, rising roughly 12 km above the surrounding plains, is the central volcano of the three 'shield' volcanoes that comprise Tharsis Montes. Gently sloping shield volcanoes are shaped like a flattened dome and are built almost exclusively of lava flows.

The dramatic features visible in the colour image are located on the south-west flank of Pavonis Mons. Researchers believe these are lava tubes, channels originally formed by hot, flowing lava that forms a crust as the surface cools. Lava continues to flow beneath this hardened surface, but when the lava production ends and the tunnels empty, the surface collapses, forming elongated depressions. Similar tubes are well known on Earth and the Moon.

Lava tubes on Pavonis Mons, in perspective
Lava tubes on Pavonis Mons, in perspective

The long, continuous lava tube in the northwest of the colour image extends over 59 km and ranges from approximately 1.9 km to less than 280 m wide.

Pit chains, strings of circular depressions thought to form as the result of collapse of the surface, are also visible within the colour image. In the northeast, there is a clear distinction between the brighter terrain at higher elevations and darker material located down slope. In the southwest, the lava tubes appear to be covered by subsequent lava flows.

3D anaglyph of Pavonis Mons in Tharsis Montes
3D anaglyph of Pavonis Mons in Tharsis Montes

By studying Martian volcanoes, scientists can obtain information regarding this intriguing planet. For example, the gradual flank slopes and the flattened, dome-like appearance of Pavonis Mons suggest that low-viscosity lava formed this volcano.

The colour scene was derived from the three HRSC-colour channels and the nadir channel. The 3D anaglyph image was calculated from the nadir and one stereo channel. Image resolution has been decreased for use on the internet.

For more information on Mars Express HRSC images, please read our updated FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Related Links

Pavonis Mons
Science & Exploration

Lava tubes on Pavonis Mons

23/05/2006 11677 views 24 likes
Read
Extensional tectonics in Tempe Terra
Science & Exploration

Extensional tectonics in Tempe Terra

08/05/2006 3000 views 4 likes
Read
Nanedi Valles valley system on Mars
Science & Exploration

Nanedi Valles system on Mars

24/04/2006 5647 views 8 likes
Read
Crater Galle, the 'happy face' on Mars
Science & Exploration

'Happy face' crater on Mars

10/04/2006 13917 views 21 likes
Read
Libya Montes valley region on Mars
Science & Exploration

The Libya Montes valley on Mars

27/03/2006 4717 views 6 likes
Read
Perspective view, looking north-west, from behind the 'hourglass' crater
Science & Exploration

'Hourglass'-shaped crater - new video and perspectives

17/03/2006 3782 views 4 likes
Read
Perspective view of the eastern scarp of Olympus Mons, looking south-west
Science & Exploration

Eastern scarp of Olympus Mons

03/03/2006 10342 views 12 likes
Read
Perspective view of the Ausonia Mensa massif
Science & Exploration

Ausonia Mensa remnant massif

24/02/2006 2901 views 4 likes
Read
Perspective view of Phlegethon Catena
Science & Exploration

Pits and tectonic grabens in Phlegethon Catena

09/02/2006 4062 views 7 likes
Read
The Claritas Fossae region of Mars
Science & Exploration

Claritas Fossae region of Mars

03/02/2006 1294 views 2 likes
Read
Colour view of Juventae Chasma
Science & Exploration

Sulphate deposits in Juventae Chasma

19/01/2006 4237 views 10 likes
Read
Colour view of 'butterfly'-shaped crater at Hesperia Planum
Science & Exploration

‘Butterfly’ impact crater in Hesperia Planum

04/01/2006 4363 views 14 likes
Read
Science & Exploration

Fly over the Chasma Boreale at Martian north pole

18/10/2005 5530 views 11 likes
Read
Colour nadir view of Biblis Patera
Science & Exploration

The Biblis Patera volcano

07/09/2005 6229 views 9 likes
Read
The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC)
Science & Exploration

Behind the lens...

13/02/2004 4013 views 14 likes
Read