What type of planet is Mars?

Mars is known as a terrestrial planet, which means it has a solid surface made or rocks and other materials. This feature contributes to significant human interest in studying the possibility of life on Mars. Like Earth, Mars consists of layers of core, mantle and crust.

Mars is smaller than Earth, with a diameter that is about half that of Earth's, according to Universe Today. Mars has a desert-like surface, but it also has many mountains and volcanoes. Scientists believe the heavy iron content on the surface reveals a high volume of volcanic eruptions over time. Frequent dust storms also kick up on Mars. Several factors would inhibit human life on Mars, including toxic soil, a lack of oxygen and freezing cold.