English: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

Cones and Inflated Lava Flows ESP_030192_2020 Science Theme: Volcanic Processes

http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_030192_2020

https://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/space-photo-of-the-day-2/?pid=6342

A CTX image shows topographic cones in local depressions here. What are these and how did they form?

This image reveals "rootless cones," which form on lava flows that interact with subsurface water. They are in depressions because subsequent lava flowed around the base of the cones, then "inflated." Lava inflation is a process where liquid is injected beneath the solid (thickening) crust and raises the whole surface, often raising it higher than the topography that controlled the initial lava emplacement.

This scene is in Amazonis Planitia, a vast region covered by flood lava. The surface is coated by a thin layer of reddish dust, which avalanches down steep slopes to make dark streaks.

Written by: Alfred McEwen (audio by Tre Gibbs) (20 February 2013)