%0 Journal Article
%A Dohm, James M.
%A Williams, Jean-Pierre
%A Anderson, Robert C.
%A Ruiz Pérez, Javier
%A McGuire, Patrick C.
%A Komatsu, Goro
%A Davila, Alfonso F.
%A Ferris, Justin C.
%A Baker, Victor R.
%A Boynton, William V.
%A Fairén, Alberto G.
%A Hare, Trent M.
%A Miyamoto, Hirdy
%A Tanaka, Kennth L.
%A Wheelock, Shawn J.
%T New evidence for a magmatic influence on the origin of Valles Marineris, Mars
%D 2009
%@ 0377-0273
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/49344
%X In this paper, we show that the complex geological evolution of Valles Marineris, Mars, has been highlyinfluenced by the manifestation of magmatism (e.g., possible plume activity). This is based on a diversity ofevidence, reported here, for the central part, Melas Chasma, and nearby regions, including uplift, loss of hugevolumes of material, flexure, volcanism, and possible hydrothermal and endogenic-induced outflow channelactivity. Observations include: (1) the identification of a new N50 km-diameter caldera/vent-like feature onthe southwest flank of Melas, which is spatially associated with a previously identified center of tectonicactivity using Viking data; (2) a prominent topographic rise at the central part of Valles Marineris, whichincludes Melas Chasma, interpreted to mark an uplift, consistent with faults that are radial and concentricabout it; (3) HiRISE-identified landforms along the floor of the southeast part of Melas Chasma that areinterpreted to reveal a volcanic field; (4) CRISM identification of sulfate-rich outcrops, which could beindicative of hydrothermal deposits; (5) GRS K/Th signature interpreted as water–magma interactions and/or variations in rock composition; and (6) geophysical evidence that may indicate partial compensation ofthe canyon and/or higher density intrusives beneath it. Long-term magma, tectonic, and water interactions(Late Noachian into the Amazonian), albeit intermittent, point to an elevated life potential, and thus VallesMarineris is considered a prime target for future life detection missions.
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