How tall does Olympus Mons rank compared to the tallest mountains in the solar system?

Study for the Wits and Wagers Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Olympus Mons ranks as the tallest mountain in the solar system, and it is a prominent feature on Mars. This massive shield volcano rises approximately 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) high, which is nearly three times the height of Mount Everest, Earth's tallest mountain. The sheer scale of Olympus Mons, combined with its diameter of about 370 miles (600 kilometers), makes it not only the tallest mountain but also one of the largest volcanoes in the solar system. Its immense height is largely due to the lack of tectonic plate movement on Mars, allowing the volcano to continue erupting and accumulating material over millions of years without being eroded or stopped by other geological processes.

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