
Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3064-3057
Advisor
Varun, Paul G.
Committee Member
Crane, Kelsey T.
Committee Member
Lang, Nicholas P.
Committee Member
Ambinakudige, Shrinidhi S.
Date of Degree
5-16-2025
Original embargo terms
Embargo 1 year
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Geoscience (Geology)
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Geosciences
Abstract
Venus shares many geological similarities with Earth, yet its tectonic processes and magma injection mechanisms remain poorly understood. A key question in planetary geology is how effusive volcanism persists despite the intense horizontal compression terrestrial bodies experience over time. To explore these issues, we examine the Spanish Peaks dike swarm in Colorado which serves as an ideal site for investigating magma intrusion under compressive stress conditions. Through field mapping, orientation measurements, and structural analysis, we identify a strong relationship between pre-existing joints and dike orientations, suggesting that these fractures serve as critical magma pathways in compressive regimes. Additionally, evidence of shear near dike intrusions, along with fracture angles indicative of hybrid failure, is observed in both the Spanish Peaks and the Bécuma Mons dike swarm on Venus. These findings suggest dike intrusions may locally alter the surrounding stress field, shifting it into a strike-slip regime that facilitates vertical magma migration.
Sponsorship (Optional)
Mississippi Space Grant Consortium and Geological Society of America
Recommended Citation
Ortigoza, Michael, "Earth analogue analysis of volcanic/tectonic interactions with applications to venusian stresses" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6549.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6549