Further evidence for a mass movement origin of the Olympus Mons aureole

Abstract

Analysis of the ridge, graben, and fracture patterns on the aureole material surrounding Olympus Mons lends further support to an origin by gravity sliding of the outer flanks of the shield. The patterns provide evidence of the nature of sliding, especially in the last stages of emplacement. No part of the slide need have traveled the whole extent of the aureole. For the slides to occur on a shallow slope, reduction of shear strength of the materials involved is required, possibly by melting of ground ice. Triggering mechanisms could be volcanically related marsquakes and possibly stresses induced on the surrounding area by the growing Olympus Mons volcano.