Volcanoes in the Solar System

7.2

What is the primary origin of the smooth plains found on Mercury?

Volcanic activity that produced widespread lava flows.

Lava tubes on Earth and planets like Mercury form as a result of which process?

The lava surface cools and solidifies while molten lava continues flowing beneath.

What is the likely composition of volcanoes on Venus?

Mafic composition due to the presence of wide shield volcanoes.

Which observation is considered evidence for recent or active volcanism on Venus?

Changes in sulfur dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

How can lunar highlands be distinguished from lunar mare?

Lunar highlands are lighter and felsic; lunar mare are darker and mafic.

What process is primarily responsible for the formation of lunar mare?

Giant impacts fracturing the crust and allowing mafic mantle lava to erupt.

Does Mars still have active volcanoes?

We don’t know.

Olympus Mons is the tallest mountain and volcano in the solar system. What type of volcano is it?

Shield volcano.

Which of Jupiter’s moons has active volcanoes?

lo

What process generates volcanism on Io?

Orbital resonances with Jupiter’s other moons.