Abstract
Abstract: Siloe Patera, like other collapsed volcanic features at Arabia
Terra, Mars has been identified as a set of nested deep depressions
[1]. We interpreted surficial geology, including possible geologic
history, of Siloe Patera by combining analysis of spectral analysis from
TIR data of THEMIS, mineralogic phases (e.g. olivine, phyllosilicate,
and hydrated silicates) from NIR data of CRISM, and local morphology
from HiRISE and CTX. We identified four spectral units: the purple,
fuchsia/magenta, yellow/amber, and pale-brown or green (typical terrain)
unit. Purple unit, which occurs on eastern and north-eastern scarps, has
weighted absorption center (WAC) [2] in longer wavelengths
(consistent to lower silica content), and has higher thermal inertia
(indicating bedrock materials) and the presence of olivine. Like the
purple unit, the fuchsia unit confirms the presence of rich olivine
phase. Yellow unit, near the central peak, home to elevated silica
content, includes a transverse dune field on the edge of the peak, and
is composed of coarse-grained dune sands, and weak phyllosilicate
abundance. Typical terrain (pale brown or green) unit is the most
dispersed unit and has elevated silica content; it consists of fine
grain dust showing positive abortion to the phyllosilicate index, and in
some areas shows hydrated phyllosilicate phase spatially adjacent to the
network of channels and gullies. We suggest that the presence of
faulting consistent with collapsed features and related lava-flow
features confirm that Siloe Patera is a collapsed caldera of Late
Noachian to Early Hesperian [1], which was modified by subsequent
water-related processes. References: [1] Michalski, J.R., Bleacher,
J.E., 2013. Supervolcanoes within an ancient volcanic province in Arabia
Terra, Mars. Nature 502, 47–52. [2] Amador, E.S., Bandfield, J.L.,
2016. Elevated bulk-silica exposures and evidence for multiple aqueous
alteration episodes in Nili Fossae, Mars. Icarus 276, 39–51.