Figure 36.11 Maat Mons, Venus's highest volcano.

Maat Mons, the highest volcano on Venus is 8 km high. Lava flows extend for hundreds of kilometers across the fractured plains shown in the foreground. Some scientists speculate that Maat Mons might be an active volcano. In this three-dimensional perspective view, simulated (false) color and a digital elevation map developed by the U.S. Geological Survey are used to enhance small-scale structure. The orange color is based on color images recorded by the Soviet Venera spacecraft that indicated the surface has a very slight orange tint. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data used to make this image shows rough areas as brighter oranges and smooth areas as darker colors. (NASA/JPL)

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