Volcanism is among the dominant processes that form and modify terrestrial landforms and atmospheres in our Solar System. Therefore, constraining the timing and flux of volcanism is of key importance in planetary volcanology. While lava flow-fields are often perceived as featureless—sometimes even boring—when observed from space, detangling the details recorded on solidified lava flows is instrumental in revealing the evolution of planetary bodies.

A region of outstanding interest is Elysium Planitia on Mars. It is home to the youngest volcanic terrains, which are only a few million years old and the region may still be volcanically active. Elysium Planitia also exhibits the largest fluvial outflow channel carved in the late Amazonian epoch. By integrating geomorphological (CTX and HiRISE), geophysical (SHARAD and MOLA), and chronological constraints, we reconstructed the fluvial, volcanic, and magmatic evolution in Elysium Planitia.

While Mars’ surface is dominated by volcanic terrains, the surface and subsurface have experienced aqueous modification and are thus often shaped by an interplay between volcanic and aqueous activities. Many regions on Mars show signs of water–rock interaction, as indicated by the detection of hydrated silica by CRISM. Hydrated silica is significant for understanding past environmental conditions, such as the longevity and intensity of aqueous alteration. In addition to implications on aqueous conditions, siliceous materials—including opal—provide an excellent substrate to preserve biosignatures.

Further, analog sites here on Earth provide the means of testing our tools, approaches, and interpretations used in planetary sciences. The 2014–2015 Holuhraun lava flow-field in the Icelandic highlands provides a unique martian analog, allowing us to refine our understanding of eruption dynamics and lava morphology through a combination of remote sensing, unoccupied aircraft systems, and field observations. This seminar will demonstrate how these tools and techniques enhance our comprehension of effusive eruptions and the interactions between water and rock within volcanic terrains.

*Refreshments: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (ES&T L1175)