Volcanic Diversity throughout the Solar System

Abstract

What comes to mind when one considers the subject of volcanism in the solar system? The ongoing eruptions on Io, the enormous shield volcanoes of Mars, the low-profile volcanoes of Venus, or the nitrogen-powered geysers of Triton are but a few of the dramatic examples of planetary volcanism discovered in recent years. Yet each of these examples occurs within a distinctive environment. We usually think of “environment” as merely the backdrop to main events that created the impressive volcanic features evident throughout the solar system. However, in this book we hope to demonstrate that the environment into which a volcanic eruption takes place is a significant—and perhaps even a controlling—factor on the resulting eruption styles and products. Much can be learned by comparing volcanic features observed in various locations throughout the solar system. The goal of the present compilation is to increase awareness of volcanic diversity on solid surfaces, paying special attention to the local planetary environment.