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

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

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.

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Article

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70036971

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

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1-2

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English

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Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

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New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars; 2009; Article; Journal; Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research; Dohm, J. M.; Williams, J. -P.; Anderson, R. C.; Ruiz, J.; McGuire, P. C.; Komatsu, G.; Davila, A. F.; Ferris, J. C.; Schulze-Makuch, D.; Baker, V. R.; Boynton, W. V.; Fairen, A. G.; Hare, T. M.; Miyamoto, H.; Tanaka, K. L.; Wheelock, S. J.