Mars

Mars is the most Earthlike of all of the planets. The weathering of iron-rich rocks on its surface gives the planet a reddish color. This is why Mars is called the “red planet.”

Though the surface of Mars is very old, as shown by the presence of many impact craters, it once had many volcanic eruptions. However, the most recent volcanic activity was possibly less than 100 million years ago. Olympus Mons on Mars is the largest volcano in the solar system. The height of Olympus Mons is nearly three times that of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth. If this volcano were located on Earth, its base could cover the distance from Cleveland to Washington, D.C.!


End ofPage 811

Table of Contents

Physical Science CHAPTER 1 Science Skills CHAPTER 2 Properties of Matter CHAPTER 3 States of Matter CHAPTER 4 Atomic Structure CHAPTER 5 The Periodic Table CHAPTER 6 Chemical Bonds CHAPTER 7 Chemical Reactions CHAPTER 8 Solutions, Acids, and Bases CHAPTER 9 Carbon Chemistry CHAPTER 10 Nuclear Chemistry CHAPTER 11 Motion CHAPTER 12 Forces and Motion CHAPTER 13 Forces in Fluids CHAPTER 14 Work, Power, and Machines CHAPTER 15 Energy CHAPTER 16 Thermal Energy and Heat CHAPTER 17 Mechanical Waves and Sound CHAPTER 18 The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Light CHAPTER 19 Optics CHAPTER 20 Electricity CHAPTER 21 Magnetism CHAPTER 22 Earth's Interior CHAPTER 23 Earth's Surface CHAPTER 24 Weather and Climate CHAPTER 25 The Solar System CHAPTER 26 Exploring the Universe Skills and Reference Handbook