It appears as though Mars runs on the many processes that are similar to earth. The interplay of air, water, ice and geology create and control the environment on Mars. By applying our knowledge of earth’s processes along with physical modeling, we can begin to also explain these processes that occur on Mars (Head 2007). Impact craters characterize the first-order topography and modify the Martian surface through vertical excavation and transportation of crustal material (Head 2007). Moreover, evidence of volcanism is abundant. Lava flows can form channels, valleys networks and smooth plains, and there are many extinct volcanoes, the largest volcano in the solar system Mount Olympus is found on Mars. There is also some evidence for tectonic activity on Mars shown through the structural features such as rifts, trough and ridges, however evidence is minimal and remains a controversial topic (Head 2007). Despite having a thin atmosphere, wind processes are still supported on Mars’ atmosphere. Aeolian processes currently dominate the surface, creating and shaping the present day landform as volcanic, tectonic and water activity on Mars appears to be inactive currently (Head
It appears as though Mars runs on the many processes that are similar to earth. The interplay of air, water, ice and geology create and control the environment on Mars. By applying our knowledge of earth’s processes along with physical modeling, we can begin to also explain these processes that occur on Mars (Head 2007). Impact craters characterize the first-order topography and modify the Martian surface through vertical excavation and transportation of crustal material (Head 2007). Moreover, evidence of volcanism is abundant. Lava flows can form channels, valleys networks and smooth plains, and there are many extinct volcanoes, the largest volcano in the solar system Mount Olympus is found on Mars. There is also some evidence for tectonic activity on Mars shown through the structural features such as rifts, trough and ridges, however evidence is minimal and remains a controversial topic (Head 2007). Despite having a thin atmosphere, wind processes are still supported on Mars’ atmosphere. Aeolian processes currently dominate the surface, creating and shaping the present day landform as volcanic, tectonic and water activity on Mars appears to be inactive currently (Head