Preliminary mapping of dike systems in northern Elysium Planitia

Abstract

Many areas of Mars have been focus of the search for dikes, mostly in the Tharsis region; Ar-sia [1], Pavonis [2] and Olympus Montes [3], Alba Patera [4], Valles Marineris [5] and eastern Thaumasia [6]. However, the other prominent volcanic province, Elysium, remains largely unexplored for this purpose. Here we present the first results of a survey for dike de-tection in northern Elysium Planitia. A total of 262 in-dividual structures identified as exposed dikes have been mapped in high resolution images. We have placed them in a broad geological context, proposed possible time relationships, and speculated about the stresses that may have generated them. This portrait will allow to continue looking for dikes in the area, and eventually construct a consistent history for their emplacement in relationship with regional volcanic and tectonic histories.