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An isostatic model for the Tharsis ProvinceMars
Author(s) -
Sleep Norman H.,
Phillips Roger J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl006i010p00803
Subject(s) - tharsis , geology , crust , volcanism , lithosphere , mantle (geology) , tectonics , extensional definition , geophysics , mars exploration program , extensional tectonics , hotspot (geology) , basin and range province , seismology , petrology , martian , astrobiology , physics
A crust‐upper mantle configuration is proposed for the Tharsis province of Mars which is isostatic and satisfies the observed gravity data. The model is that of a low density upper mantle compensating loads at both the surface and crust‐mantle boundary. Solutions are found for lithospheric thickness greater than about 300 kmfor which the stress differences are less than 750 bars. This model for Tharsis is similar to the compensation mechanism under the Basin and Range province of the western United States. These provinces also compare favorably in the sense that they are both elevated regions of extensional tectonics and extensive volcanism.