Downflow Width Behavior of Martian and Terrestrial Lava Flows

Computer Science

Scientific paper

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Flow Morphology, Hawaii, Lava Flows, Mars, Volcanism

Scientific paper

Lava flow morphology is typically the primary type of data available for constraining planetary volcanic processes. Flow emplacement (and hence morphology) is controlled by topography, rheology, and thermal history, but the exact relationship between these factors and the resulting flow shape is not well understood. Accurate interpretation of flow dynamics is dependent upon well-constrained flow geometry. Previous modeling studies have commonly assumed relatively constant flow widths and/or cross-sectional areas, use a single value for width based upon a limited number of measurements, or do not consider width at all. Recent analysis of individual flow lobes in the Puu Oo flow field on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano show that flow widths vary by up to an order of magnitude. Significant width variations in Martian flows on Tyrhenna Patera, Alba Patera, and Elysium Mons are also observed. Complex flow-forms may be the result of spatially-interacting, temporally-discrete episodes in addition to contemporaneously emplaced flows. Variations in width with downflow distance from the vent may provide critical clues to flow emplacement processes and volcanic stratigraphy; furthermore, flow width is one of the few characteristics that can easily be measured from planetary mission data. The relative widths and lengths of lava flows are presumably a function of the relationship between the lateral spreading rate and flow front advance. Width/length "aspect ratios" are used to quantify this; however, they are highly dependent upon flow history interpretations. Although topography is thought to be a primary control, recent studies have demonstrated a marked insensitivity of flow morphology to topographic variations at 20 to 40 foot scales.

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