Magma-Cryosphere Interaction on Mars

Magma–cryosphere interaction on Mars has been a subject of significant martian research as there is diverse and widespread evidence for its occurrence, and it holds fundamental implications for life on Mars. This book investigates the nature of these interactions, the type of geomorphologic features that they produce, and evidence for the exhumation of such features to the martian surface. Analytical and computational modeling of the thermal exchange between an intrusion and the martian cryosphere show that heat from the intrusion will melt the ground ice and create a slurry of saturated regolith. Regions are identified on Mars where exhumation has revealed features that might correspond to products of cryomagmatic interaction. The morphology of these features is consistent with theoretical and terrestrial analogue studies; specifically, of hypabyssal intrusions and subglacial volcanic eruptions. Since magma–cryosphere interaction environments on Mars are excellent candidates for long–lived hydrothermal activity, they exhibit important exobiological potential in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.