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The dispersal of pyroclasts from ancient explosive volcanoes on Mars: implications for the friable layered deposits.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • Laura Kerber
  • James Head
  • Jean-Baptiste Madeleine
  • François Forget
  • Lionel Wilson
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>05/2012
<mark>Journal</mark>Icarus
Issue number1
Volume219
Number of pages24
Pages (from-to)358-381
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

A number of voluminous, fine-grained, friable deposits have been mapped on Mars. The modes of origin for these deposits are debated. The feasibility for an origin by volcanic airfall for the friable deposits is tested using a global circulation model to simulate the dispersal of pyroclasts from candidate source volcanoes near each deposit. It is concluded that the Medusae Fossae Formation and Electris deposits are easily formed through volcanic processes, and that the Hellas deposits and south polar pitted deposits could have some contribution from volcanic sources in specific atmospheric regimes. The Arabia and Argyre deposits are not well replicated by modeled pyroclast dispersal, suggesting that these deposits were most likely emplaced by other means.