Morgan, Julia K.2011-07-252011-07-252010Zivney, Lindsay Laurel. "Discrete simulations of density-driven volcanic deformation: Applications to Martian caldera complexes." (2010) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/62093">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/62093</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/62093We have carried out 2-D numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate density-driven deformation in Martian volcanic edifices and how it affects the development of caldera complexes. These simulations demonstrate that the presence of a dense and weak cumulate body within a volcanic edifice strongly influences the volcano morphology and enhances volcanic spreading. The settling of a cumulate body generates distinctive structural and morphological features characteristic of Olympus Mons and Arsia Mons, including low flank slopes and pronounced summit calderas. We show that gravitational spreading of a cumulate body can play a primary role in the long-term development of calderas. We conclude that a cumulate body that is both shallow and wide could generate a single large depression similar to the Arsia-type caldera, while our simulations of a narrow cumulate body are capable of generating summit subsidence that is similar in dimension to the Olympus Mons caldera.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.GeologyGeophysicsThesisTHESIS GEOL. 2010 ZIVNEY