Spectral and geological analyses of domes in western Arcadia Planitia, Mars: Evidence for intrusive alkali-rich volcanism and ice-associated surface features

Small-scale domes with circumferential aprons and concentric aureoles in western Arcadia Planitia (34–41°N, 167–179°E) near Tyndall crater were examined using a suite of datasets including CRISM, THEMIS IR, HiRISE, and CTX. Previous studies based primarily on photogeologic evidence suggested that these domes were analogous to terrestrial felsic cryptodomes to extrusive lava domes. The domes have also been examined using CRISM visible/near infrared to short-wave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectra which indicated the presence of ferrous silicate minerals in association with the domes. This study presents further CRISM spectral evidence for 1) high-Ca pyroxene and glass mixtures with, or possibly without, the presence of olivine on the flanks of some domes, 2) 1.3 μm band absorption features consistent with an Fe-bearing plagioclase or possibly a Fe-rich alkali feldspar in more limited occurrences at the base of some domes, 3) spectral convexity between 3.4 and 3.9 μm associated with rocky, light-toned portions on top of some domes which is attributed to the presence of alkali-rich plagioclase or alkali feldspars. New morphologic observations include a pitted cone and arcs of light-toned, “brain terrain” material on the pole-facing upper margins of some aprons which, in combination with ice-associated “brain terrain” on light-toned outer aureoles suggests an association with ice. The morphology of an assortment of domes and association with alkali feldspars suggests they represent a continuum from intrusive cryptodomes to flat extrusive domes, potentially of felsic composition although formation from viscous alkali-rich mafic magmas is not precluded.