Volcanism in the Solar System

Abstract

Volcanic activity is the main process for heat-material exchange and circulation for differentiated planets. All terrestrial planets in the Solar System, the Moon, the satellites of giant planets, and the dwarf planets once experienced or are currently experiencing volcanic activities. This paper summarized the volcanism (main volcanic features and their formation) on the Moon, Mars, Venus, and Mercury in the inner Solar System, volcanism and cryovolcanism on satellites (Io, Europa, Enceladus) of giant planets, as well as volcanism on dwarf planets including Cere in the main asteroid belt and Pluto in the Kuiper belt. This work shows volcanism in the Solar System is driven by various factors, forming abundant volcanic landforms. It has significant meanings to compare volcanism happening on different planets using comparative planetology approaches for a better understanding of volcanism, the planetary habitability, and the information contained on the origin and evolution of planets in the Solar System.