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

Abstract

AbstractA 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.