Long Lava Flows on Planetary Surfaces

Surface of the Carrizozo lava flow, central New Mexico. Image was taken looking north from U.S. Highway 380, which crosses the northern portion of the flow (see satellite image). Andrew Johnston of CEPS is holding a 1.8-m-tall rod (bottom center) used in collecting detailed topographic data through Differential Global Positioning System processing.

CEPS Staff: Dr. Jim Zimbelman

Lava flows longer than 50 km occur on several planetary surfaces, often on plains with slopes <<1°. Photo analysis of planetary flows, field measurements of long flows on Earth, and computer and laboratory simulations are being used to better understand long flows.

Landsat Thematic Mapper image of the Carrizozo basalt lava flow in central New Mexico. This 75-km-long lava flow is being studied to learn more about how long flows are emplaced on Earth, which should help to understand long lava flows on other planets. Detailed topographic profiles were measured at the two locations indicated.

Dr. Zimbelman's Homepage

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