Pavonis Mons Flank

This VIS image shows part of the western flank of Pavonis Mons. Pavonis Mons is the central volcano of the three large Tharsis volcanoes. All three volcanoes form a line located along a tectonic bulge caused by extensional forces in the region. Pavonis Mons is the smallest of the three with a summit of only 14km (46,000 ft). The linear features at the top of the image are concentric faults. The linear and sinuous channel-like features at the bottom of the image likely formed by collapse of the roof of lava tubes into the empty space beneath. Pavonis means peacock in Latin, making the name peacock mountain.