Geologic map of the Cebrenia Quadrangle of Mars

Most of the Cebrenia quadrangle (lat 30˚ to 65˚ N., long 180˚ to 240˚ W.) is in the circumpolar plains of Mars. Craters from an early episode of intense bombardment have been largely obliterated by later volcanism, tectonism, erosion, and sedimentation by wind and water, and by circumpolar glacial and periglacial processes. South of 47˚ N. the plains are dissected by numerous channels, most of which drained off a broad volcanic upland near the southern border of the quadrangle. The impressive Elysium volcanoes cap the crest of this upland; their northernmost member, Hecates Tholus, lies within the Cebrenia quadrangle. 

The southeastern part of the Cebrenia quadrangle is dominated by the Phlegra Montes, which may be the only purely tectonic mountain range on Mars. It seems to have been formed by block faulting; there is no evidence that impact of volcanic processes played a role. An ancient pediment appears to have been uplifted by normal faults to form a north- to north-northeast-trending mountain range 1,400 km long, as much as 250 km wide, and more than 1 km high. Its foothills are partly covered by later volcanic and eolian deposits.