Flood basalt volcanism on the moon and mars

Abstract

Comparative studies of the surfaces of the terrestrial planets reveal that processes of flood basalt volcanism were common to all of them, irrespective of their stages of evolution either primitive, intermediate or progressive. On the Moon manifestations of flood basalt volcanism have been recognized in basins (maria); on the planet Mars both in basins (planitiae) and in higher topographic (continental) levels. The mare-epoch of the less developed planets led to significant changes in their relief and in the crustal structure. Examples of volcanic flows from the lunar and martian surface are introduced. Some crustal uplifts on Mars can be interpreted in terms of Van Bemmelen's undations.