The Geology of Eden Patera, a Type-Example of Plains Style Caldera Complexes on Mars

Abstract

A population of underrecognized volcanic constructs associated with explosive and effusive volcanism is present within Arabia Terra and perhaps throughout the ancient highlands on Mars. These features, termed "plains-style caldera complexes," are characterized by 10s-of-km wide crustal collapse structures, lava flows, and potential pyroclastic deposits, but without a pronounced central edifice. Vast layered deposits around Eden Patera and throughout Arabia Terra are possibly linked to these explosive volcanisms. Remote sensing-based morphological and geologic mapping was carried out along with geomorphological and structural analyses, and the application of terrestrial analogs to test the hypothesis that these large-scale collapse features are controlled by magmatism and volcanic activity. Here, we map the surface geology, structure, and geomorphology of Eden Patera, providing a well-exposed and documented benchmark for the identification of other plains-style caldera complexes across the surface of the Martian crust. The unexplored population of explosive process-dominated volcanic constructs could potentially be an important yet underrecognized aspect of the Martian geologic record.