Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Large-Scale Volcanism On The Terrestrial Planets, Keenan Ben Golder

Doctoral Dissertations

Evidence for mafic volcanism has been found on each planet in the inner Solar System. Lava flows on these planets range in size from 10s to 1000s of kilometers in extent. I investigated large-scale lava flows on Mercury, Earth, and Mars throughout the chapters in this dissertation. Each of these lava flows provides an avenue to study the emplacement and evolution of lava on various planets and under differing conditions, the factors that affect their overall extent, and potential source areas.

Chapter One investigates large-scale lava flows in the Cerberus region on Mars, specifically to understand their emplacement history, material …

Understanding Hydrogen Variations In Silicate Glasses As A Result Of Degassing: Fire-Fountaining On The Moon And Earth, Erin M. Recchuiti

Masters Theses

Volatiles, particularly hydrogen, play a key role in volcanic eruptions, especially explosive eruptions like fire-fountaining [e.g., Saal et al. 2002; Dixon 1997; Arndt & von Engelhardt 1987; Yoder 1976]. Discerning volatile abundance and behavior during ascent and eruption can aid in understanding the source melt and primary volatile content of planetary interiors. Volcanic glasses are samples closest to the primary melt, as they quench quickly enough to limit fractionation or crystallization. This is paramount for volatile studies, especially pertaining to water as its constituents are oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen is the most volatile element and one of the first to …