Does anyone think that the largest volcano in the solar system (Olympus Mons, of Mars) is anomalous? There isn't much gravity acting on the planet. Shouldn't the largest volcano be on Mercury, Venus or IO?
by 
Toiletcruncher
ANSWERS: 2
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Gravity in itself does not cause volcanic activity. When the volcanoes on Mars were active they grew larger and higher with time. On Earth, volcanoes eventually move away from the hotspot because they sit on ever moving tectonic plates which 'float around' on the liquid mantle. Eventually the volcano's activity stops and it grows no further. It is believed that Mars had no plate tectonics so it's volcanoes stayed for millions of years over a hotspot and grew larger than any on Earth.
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Since gravity is less on Mars it makes it possible to have higher mountain peaks. Less force to pull it down.
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