Geological history of Samodiva Mons shield volcano, and surrounding area, Quadrangle V-29, Venus

Samodiva Mons is a large shield volcano (similar to 240 km in diameter, centered at 13.6 degrees N, 291.0 degrees E) located 1500 km ESE from Beta Regio. Detailed mapping (1:500,000 scale) using radar image and altimetry data from the Magellan mission was used to investigate the geological history of the volcano and its surrounding area. The study area is located in Quadrangle V-29, which extends from 11 degrees to 16 degrees N, 289 degrees to 294 degrees E and covers approximately 291,000 km(2) of which similar to 80,000 km(2) is occupied by Samodiva Mons volcanic materials. Seven geological units were defined, mapped, and characterized: Samodiva Mons lava flows, small shield volcanoes, coronae material, plains material, tesserae, densely lineated plains, and impact craters. Also, we distinguished two structural units: graben-fissure systems (interpreted as dike swarms) and wrinkle ridges. Three geological stages of evolution of the study region are recognized, with Stages 1-2 being pre-Samodiva Mons and Stage 3 that is associated with Samodiva Mons activity. This stage largely postdates the emplacement of regional plains and was culminated by the formation of the Samodiva Mons volcanic construct.