Olympus Mons vents over a long period of time (The Hawaiian Islands exemplify similar shield volcanoes on a smaller scale – see Mauna Kea). Like the basalt volcanoes on Earth, Martian basaltic volcanoes are capable of erupting enormous quantities of ash. Due to the reduced gravity of Mars compared to Earth, there are lesser buoyant forces on the magma rising out of the crust. In addition, the magma chambers are thought to be much larger and deeper than the ones found on Earth. The flanks of Olympus Mons are made up of innumerable lava flows and channels. Many of the flows have
Olympus Mountain Running run. From a boat the competition starts, the swimming ends at the beach of Platamonas. The route depends on the wind direction, the athletes are accompanied by boats. From Platamonas, the Olymp is almost completely rounded. The cycle race takes place on paved roads, 4100 vertical meters have to be overcome. Target is the place Vrisopoules. From Vrisopoules, the route leads over the second highest peak of the mountains (Skolio, 2911 m) on forest roads down to the river Orlias, which is the destination of the triathlon. There are 2250 vertical meters to overcome. Olympus Mountain Running Since 1986, nearly