Mylitta Fluctus, Venus - Rift-related, centralized volcanism and the emplacement of large-volume flow units

The flow morphology, stratigraphy, and evoluton of Mylitta Fluctus, a massive lava flow field on Venus, is characterized, and the link between its origin and the local tectonics is examined. The regional setting of the flow field is reviewed. A model for the stratigraphy and emplacement history of Mylitta is developed, flow morphology is discussed, and some preliminary estimates of effusion rates and eruption durations that may have characterized its emplacement are presented. The origin of Mylitta is discussed in relation to local rifting and possible hotspot activity, and the emplacement of Mylitta is compared to the origin of terrestrial flood basalts.