Planetary Geology 102 Planetary Volcanism

Planetary Geology 102 The Moon plains volcanism, broad shield volcanoes Mars large shield volcanoes, smaller cones, plains volcanism Venus large shields, coronae, arachnids(?) Mercury pits, intercrater plains, smooth plains Io low shields, extensive lava flows, paterae, visible eruptions

The Moon Extensive lunar “maria” (31% of nearside) Also evidence of discrete sites of volcanism Many enigmatic sinuous rilles

The Moon

Mars Long history of volcanic activity Three primary sites (provinces) of volcanism Plains volcanism also appears common

Circum-Hellas volcanic province Mars Tharsis province Elysium province Circum-Hellas volcanic province

Mars

Mars

Mars

Mars

Mars

Mars

Venus 80% of the surface is volcanic plains Shield volcanoes + pancake domes + “ticks” Crater counts indicate periodic resurfacing

Venus

Mercury Extensive plains units, possibly volcanic Spectroscopic evidence for volcanism Potential intrusive activity

Mercury Extensive plains units, possibly volcanic Spectroscopic evidence for volcanism Potential intrusive activity

Mercury

Io Most volcanically active in the Solar System Heat source from tidal flexing Shields, pits, lava flows, paterae

Io

What about non-silicate magmatism?

Cryovolcanism

Titan 50% larger than Earth’s Moon Active methanological cycle Putative evidence for cyrovolcanism

Titan