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Radar topography of domes on planetary surfaces

January 1, 2008

We investigate the possibility of measuring the heights and morphology of viscously emplaced domes using radar imagery. We accurately reproduce the known height and shape of a terrestrial salt dome, and estimate the heights of several venusian pancake domes to within a factor of two. The terrestrial salt dome is consistent with a Bingham flow, while the much larger venusian pancake domes are consistent with a Newtonian flow. Applying the same techniques to Ganesa Macula, a potential cryovolcanic dome on Titan, we estimate a height between 2.0-4.9 km. Additional factors such as variable roughness and composition might account for some of the discrepancies observed. ?? 2008 Elsevier Inc.

Publication Year 2008
Title Radar topography of domes on planetary surfaces
DOI 10.1016/j.icarus.2008.03.013
Authors Catherine D. Neish, R. D. Lorenz, R. L. Kirk
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Icarus
Index ID 70000304
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse