Volcanism in the cratered terrain hemisphere of Mars

Four kinds of Martian volcanoes and their prevalences in the cratered terrain hemisphere (generally the southern hemisphere) are described. Patera, which are large low-profile volcanic structures, appear to be either older shield volcanoes or a unique type of volcano. 'Plains' volcanics represent low-volume eruptions that formed cones, low shields, and other small-scale structures. Flood volcanics are produced by high-volume eruptions, post-date the older and more degraded plateau plains, and occur mostly as basin-fill materials. Plateau plains, the Martian intercrater plains, contain many wrinkle ridges and floor-fractured craters. It is suggested that volcanic processes as well as erosional processes have been important in obliterating small Martian craters and that volcanic products may constitute a significant fraction (up to 44%) of the surface rocks in the cratered terrain