EXPLORING THE GEOLOGY OF
MARS AND CHOOSING A LANDER
SITE*
OBJECTIVES
In this lab, you will use the resources on the web to examine the data we have obtained about
Mars from various NASA missions, and discover how the surface has been shaped by various
geological processes. An additional handout “The Planet Mars—Overview” is available to
provide background information to help you complete the exercise below. Use the following
websites to explore the variety of surface features on Mars and the geological processes that
created them.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES


Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to
solve problems or compile information.
Evaluate the relevancy of data.

Apply concepts to new situations.
MATERIALS

Computer with internet access and modern internet browser

Lab
LAB
TASK 1: LOCATING YOUR RESOURCES AND TOURING MARS
1: Go to the Website:
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/atlas/index.html
Mars Geology Lab
5 pages
First, click on the heading Mars Atlas. This map indentifies the important geological regions on
the surface of Mars. Use this map for reference.
Under the column heading “images”, other surface features can be explored by clicking on each
of the headings: Volcanoes, Canyons, Polar Ice Caps, Sand Dunes and Craters.
Use the navigation tools to move around on the map and to expand or decrease the image size.
As you click on various flags, a pop up window describes the feature.
Next find the following types of surface features on the above maps that represent examples of
various geologic processes on Mars and answer the questions below.
2: Now go to the website illustrating the Google Map of Mars.
This is found at:
http://www.google.com/mars/ : On this map, you may explore additional geological features
on the surface of Mars that are shown under the headings listed, such as canyons, craters,
dunes, mountains, ridges and plains. As you click on these various items, flags will appear on
the map and a list of specific features will be listed on the left side of the screen. Use the
navigation tools to move around on the map and to expand or decrease the image size. As you
click on various flags, a pop up window describes the feature. Use this website to answer the
following sections below.
VOLCANOES
1. Locate Olympus Mons and find its height from the topographic map. How does this compare
to some of Earth’s highest mountains? Are there other volcanoes in this area, and if so, what
are they?
2. Describe the shape of Olympus Mons and its neighboring volcanoes on the Tharsis Bulge.
What does this tell us about the type of lava that formed these mountains? What is the
name for this shape of volcano?
Mars Geology Lab
5 pages
CANYONS--VALLES MARINERIS:
1. What type of feature is this and what geological processes created it? How does it compare
to similar features on Earth, both in size and its’ formation? Are there other canyons like this
on Mars? If so, where are they located and how were they formed?
THE NORTHERN LOWLANDS
1. Locate and give a one sentence description of the following items:
a. Cydonia Mensae? (This is another example of how the human eye can be fooled.)
b. Elysium Planitia? Why are most of the Planitia located in the Northern Lowlands?
2. What's one explanation for why the elevation of the Northern Lowlands so much lower than
the Southern Highlands?
Mars Geology Lab
5 pages
WHAT IS HELLAS PLANITIA, AND HOW DID IT FORM?
1. How do we know this is one of the oldest surfaces on Mars?
2. What process has been most important in shaping Southern Highlands?
3. Are erosion processes still apparent on Mars’ surface today? What is the evidence?
TASK 2: APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
OVERALL GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES ON MARS.
From your brief survey, what are the primary geological processes that shaped the surface of
Mars that we now see? Is there any evidence for tectonic activity today? How is the geology of
Mars different from the geology on Earth?
Mars Geology Lab
5 pages
SELECTING LANDING SITES ON MARS FOR FURTHER GEOLOGICAL
EXPLORATION.
The maps in the above websites identify several Martian Lander Sites. Given the current
locations of these Landers, where would you locate the next Lander mission on Mars and why?
What geological features appear at your selected landing site? Give one strong scientific
justification for your choice of landing site. Explain how your choice would further our
understanding of the planet. Identify one engineering challenge that would have to be overcome
to land at the spot you've chosen.
Mars Geology Lab
5 pages