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Evidence for explosive volcanic density currents on certain Martian volcanoesThe morphologies of certain of the smaller Martian volcanoes are discussed as possible results of explosive volcanic density currents. An examination of newly-photographed flank and caldera features of the Martian volcanoes Ceraunius Tholus, Uranius Tholus, Uranius Patera and Hecates Tholus, including steep slope angles, Krakatoa-type caldera morphologies, erosional features (radial channels and anastamosing gullies) and constructional features (blanketed flanks and possible lava deltas) reveals their similarity to terrestrial cones and composite volcanoes such as Barcena Volcano. Crater age data from the surface of Martian domes and shields indicates that such explosive activity occurred more frequently early in Martian geologic history, consistent with the view that the volcanic density currents were base surges rather than nuees ardentes, with the melting of permafrost supplying the water required in base surge generation.
Document ID
19790060370
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Reimers, C. E.
(Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR, United States)
Komar, P. D.
(Oregon State University Corvallis, Ore., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 39
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A44383
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7178
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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