Geology of Mars

Geology of Mars examines the planet’s rocks, minerals, surface structures, and geological history. Its evidence reveals how impacts, volcanism, water, wind, and ice have shaped the planet.

Martian meteorites: Rocks ejected from Mars by impacts and later recovered on Earth. Their laboratory measurements provide direct evidence of Martian rock composition and age.
Tharsis: A vast volcanic province on Mars containing some of the planet’s largest volcanoes. Its immense volcanic loading and uplift shaped regional topography and tectonics.
Gale crater: A large impact crater on Mars explored by the Curiosity rover. Its layered central mound records changing lake, river, and wind environments.
Mariner 4: The first spacecraft to return close-up images of Mars during its 1965 flyby. Its cratered images overturned expectations of a broadly Earth-like surface.
Water on Mars: Water on Mars occurs as ice, vapor, and evidence of past liquid water. Its changing distribution and ancient abundance remain central to interpreting Martian landforms.
Impact cratering: The formation of craters when asteroids or comets strike a planetary surface. Crater patterns reveal surface ages and the history of impacts on Mars.
Olympus Mons: A shield volcano on Mars and the tallest known volcano in the Solar System. Its lava flows and caldera record prolonged Martian volcanism.
Jezero crater: A Martian impact crater containing an ancient lake basin and preserved river delta. Its delta deposits are a target for investigating past habitability and biosignatures.
Mariner 9: The first spacecraft to orbit Mars, arriving in 1971. Its global mapping revealed volcanoes, canyons, and channels that defined modern Martian geology.
Habitability of Mars: The capacity of Martian environments to support life. Rock and mineral records help assess whether past environments offered liquid water and suitable chemistry.

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