Abstract

Mars displays a variety of volcanic structures, thus giving us insight into the variety of volcanic eruption processes and lava flow morphologies. These eruption processes, from plumbing systems, supply rates, and magma mineralogy can all affect the eruption style. Understanding these different types of eruption styles represents a distinct geophysical process on Mars that in some cases resemble volcanic systems of Earth. The similarities are in the gas exsolution from magmas at shallow depth, but then depends on factors such as composition, volatile content, and temperature. The ascent of the magma can form dikes and sills, which may undergo chemical and physical evolution, which can then lead to a diversification of volcanic activity and lava flow viscosity. This chapter explores our current understanding of eruptive styles, magma reservoirs, and flow textures across Mars with a look at the thermodynamical perspectives of lava flow morphology.