Evidence for explosive volcanic density currents on certain Martian volcanoes

• Main Authors: Reimers, C. E., Komar, P. D.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1979
• Subjects: 91; permafrost
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19790060370

The 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.