Journal article
Spectral evidence for magmatic differentiation within a martian plumbing system
Geology (Boulder)
01/29/2026
DOI: 10.1130/G53969.1
Abstract
Comprehensive studies of martian volcanic landforms offer otherwise inaccessible insights into subsurface magmatic systems that evolve and differentiate over time. Through orbital spectral analyses of a long-lived volcanic system south of Pavonis Mons that, over multiple eruptions, transitioned from a fissure vent to a point-source cone-forming vent, we identified mineralogical changes across morphologically distinct units. The fissure-fed lava flows exhibit olivine spectral characteristics, indicating deep-sourced magma, likely from the mantle or lower crust, while younger, finger-shaped lava flows on the cone are dominated by high-calcium pyroxenes, indicating a more evolved magma source. While these two different-aged units originate from the same regional plumbing system, their mineralogical differences suggest magmatic differentiation through crustal storage, possible assimilation, and fractional crystallization during subsequent cooling. These findings enhance our understanding of magma evolution in the late Amazonian on Mars.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Spectral evidence for magmatic differentiation within a martian plumbing system
- Creators
- Bartosz Pieterek - Adam Mickiewicz University in PoznańValerie Payré - University of IowaThomas J. Jones - Lancaster University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Geology (Boulder)
- DOI
- 10.1130/G53969.1
- ISSN
- 0091-7613
- eISSN
- 1943-2682
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 01/29/2026
- Academic Unit
- School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
- Record Identifier
- 9985139296802771
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