Small edifice features in Chryse Planitia, Mars: Assessment of a mud volcano hypothesis

摘要: Abstract Small edifice features that are less than a few kilometers in diameter and up to hundred meters height widely distributed Chryse Planitia on Mars. They exhibit broad range of morphological properties here classified as Type 1 (steep-sided cones typically with summit crater), 2 (nearly flat single or multiple central/summit craters cones) 3 circular plan view, characterized by steep sides broadly area). Their origins have not been determined certainty, but our study utilizing the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) images supports interpretation mud volcanism, based observed characteristics these small edifices comparisons terrestrial analogs. Additionally, hydrated minerals detected data from Compact Reconnaissance Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), further support volcano hypothesis. Injection such clastic mega-pipes sand blow may coexist volcanoes. Alternative mechanisms magmatic volcanism excluded, they remote sensing observations. Further confirmation rejection hypothesis will require in-situ investigation landers rovers.