New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars

J. M. Dohm; J.-P. Williams; R. C. Anderson; J. Ruiz; P.C. McGuire; G. Komatsu; A.F. Davila; J.C. Ferris; D. Schulze-Makuch; V.R. Baker; W. V. Boynton; A.G. Fairen; T.M. Hare; H. Miyamoto; K. L. Tanaka; S.J. Wheelock

doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.11.029

New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

By: J. M. Dohm, J.-P. Williams, R. C. Anderson, J. Ruiz, P.C. McGuire, G. Komatsu, A.F. Davila, J.C. Ferris, D. Schulze-Makuch, V.R. Baker, W. V. Boynton, A.G. Fairen, T.M. Hare, H. Miyamoto, K. L. Tanaka, and S.J. Wheelock

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.11.029

Metrics

32

Crossref references

Web analytics dashboard Metrics definitions

Links

More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
Open Access Version: External Repository
Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

In this paper, we show that the complex geological evolution of Valles Marineris, Mars, has been highly influenced by the manifestation of magmatism (e.g., possible plume activity). This is based on a diversity of evidence, reported here, for the central part, Melas Chasma, and nearby regions, including uplift, loss of huge volumes of material, flexure, volcanism, and possible hydrothermal and endogenic-induced outflow channel activity. Observations include: (1) the identification of a new > 50??km-diameter caldera/vent-like feature on the southwest flank of Melas, which is spatially associated with a previously identified center of tectonic activity using Viking data; (2) a prominent topographic rise at the central part of Valles Marineris, which includes Melas Chasma, interpreted to mark an uplift, consistent with faults that are radial and concentric about it; (3) HiRISE-identified landforms along the floor of the southeast part of Melas Chasma that are interpreted to reveal a volcanic field; (4) CRISM identification of sulfate-rich outcrops, which could be indicative of hydrothermal deposits; (5) GRS K/Th signature interpreted as water-magma interactions and/or variations in rock composition; and (6) geophysical evidence that may indicate partial compensation of the canyon and/or higher density intrusives beneath it. Long-term magma, tectonic, and water interactions (Late Noachian into the Amazonian), albeit intermittent, point to an elevated life potential, and thus Valles Marineris is considered a prime target for future life detection missions. ?? 2008 Elsevier B.V.

Suggested Citation

Dohm, J.M., Williams, J., Anderson, R.C., Ruiz, J., McGuire, P., Komatsu, G., Davila, A., Ferris, J., Schulze-Makuch, D., Baker, V., Boynton, W.V., Fairen, A., Hare, T., Miyamoto, H., Tanaka, K.L., Wheelock, S., 2009, New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 185, no. 1-2, p. 12-27, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.11.029.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars
Series title	Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
DOI	10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.11.029
Volume	185
Issue	1-2
Year Published	2009
Language	English
Contributing office(s)	California Water Science Center
Larger Work Type	Article
Larger Work Subtype	Journal Article
Larger Work Title	Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
First page	12
Last page	27