Volcanic domes along the graben faults of Acheron Fossae?
Volcanic domes along the graben faults of Acheron Fossae?
Crustal extension and uplift often result from the formation of a magma reservoir deep below the surface. As magma rises slowly due to high temperatures, it stretches the overlying crust, causing it to fracture along fault lines. As the crust is pulled apart, large blocks sink several hundred metres into the resulting voids. The alternating pattern between sunken and elevated terrain creates the characteristic horst-and-graben landscape. Magma may also rise along fissures or fractures and erupt as lava at the surface. Just above the centre of the image and to the right, the two cone-shaped elevations that are visible may be remnants of ancient volcanoes.
