Volcanism on the Terrestrial Planets

Abstract

With the possible exception of Mercury, the surfaces of the terrestrial planets have been extensively modified by volcanism. As a result of plate tectonism, Earth has the greatest variety of volcanic settings. On our planet, volcanism occurs in association with rifting, subduction zones, and hotspots. In contrast, the Moon's volcanism consists almost totally of flood basalts. Mars and, to an even greater extent, Venus have been characterized by hotspot-related volcanism that has produced gigantic edifices and extensive basaltic plains. Only Earth has chains of stratovolcanoes – the magnificent products of plate subduction.