The Geology of Eden Patera, a Type‐Example of Plains Style Caldera Complexes on Mars. Issue 1 (30th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Yin Yau Yoyo; Michalski, Joseph R.; Webb, A. Alexander G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 128:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-12-30
• Subjects: Mars -- volcanism -- pyroclastics -- surface collapse -- geomorphology; Planets -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 559.9
• DOI: 10.1029/2022JE007337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9097

Abstract

Abstract: A population of underrecognized volcanic constructs associated with explosive and effusive volcanism is present within Arabia Terra and perhaps throughout the ancient highlands on Mars. These features, termed "plains‐style caldera complexes, " are characterized by 10s‐of‐km wide crustal collapse structures, lava flows, and potential pyroclastic deposits, but without a pronounced central edifice. Vast layered deposits around Eden Patera and throughout Arabia Terra are possibly linked to these explosive volcanisms. Remote sensing‐based morphological and geologic mapping was carried out along with geomorphological and structural analyses, and the application of terrestrial analogs to test the hypothesis that these large‐scale collapse features are controlled by magmatism and volcanic activity. Here, we map the surface geology, structure, and geomorphology of Eden Patera, providing a well‐exposed and documented benchmark for the identification of other plains‐style caldera complexes across the surface of the Martian crust. The unexplored population of explosive process‐dominated volcanic constructs could potentially be an important yet underrecognized aspect of the Martian geologic record. Plain Language Summary: Perhaps the most recognizable image of a volcano is a topographic rise, such as a cone or mountain, flanked by lava flows. While this image fits many volcanic settings on Earth and Mars, many known volcanic settings on Earth do not fit this iconic description at all and the question remains open as to whether that exception might also be true for Mars, where observations are limited to remote sensing interpretations. Several volcanoes in Arabia Terra on Mars lack recognizable topographic features, suggesting an important form of explosive volcanism associated with crustal collapse. These source vents could have produced huge amounts of ash airfall deposits, now widely observed throughout the region as layered deposits. These features are likely more common on Mars than is currently recognized and are likely a critical component of Mars' geologic puzzle. This work describes in detail the geological characteristics of Eden Patera (a large caldera with diameter over 60 km), located within Arabia Terra on Mars. This site is a "type‐locality" to which other collapsed calderas on Mars can be compared. Mapping results from Eden Patera illuminate a complex geologic history driven by both explosive (ash‐dominated) and effusive (lava‐dominated) eruptions. Key Points: Evidence for multiple episodes of caldera collapse at Eden Patera, a type‐example of plains style caldera complex on Mars Regional volcanic activity around Eden Patera Comparison to Kīlauea Iki provides evidence for a lava lake