1973/07/10 by M. H. Carr · 252 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Planetary Science and Exploration #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Geology and Paleoclimatology Research #Geology #Martian #Mars Exploration Program #Volcano #Shield volcano #Impact crater #Volcanism #Astrobiology #Crust #Mantle (geology) #Subduction #Earth science #Intraplate earthquake #Terrestrial planet #Geochemistry #Planet #Tectonics #Paleontology #Lava
paper · doi:10.1029/jb078i020p04049
published in Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres 78(20), 4049-4062 (American Geophysical Union)
openalex publication_date 1973/07/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Two classes of volcanic features occur on Mars: sparsely cratered plains resembling the lunar maria and circular constructs such as shields, domes, and craters. They show a markedly nonuniform distribution, being largely but not exclusively confined to one hemisphere. Only analogs of terrestrial intraplate volcanic features are found; analogs of terrestrial subduction zone features are absent. The Mars shield volcanoes are larger than their terrestrial counterparts, because the Martian crust is fixed in relation to the mantle, allowing more time for shields to grow. Volcanic activity has occurred throughout all the decipherable history of the planet.