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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Calderas in Arabia Terra

Calderas in Arabia Terra
Calderas in Arabia Terra This photo from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows part of a region of northern Mars called Arabia Terra. These formations were once thought to be impact craters, but further observation showed that they are calderas, the remnants of collapsed volcanoes. Arabia Terra once had thousands of volcanoes capable of the biggest eruptions known. These “super-eruptions” would have released enough dust and gas to block out sunlight and alter the planet’s climate for decades. It remains unknown how a planet as small as Mars could have had enough molten rock in its mantle to power thousands of super-eruptions in just this one area. NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona