Volcanic craters and cones in central Kachchh mainland, western India: Potential analogue for the Martian studies?

The magmatism in Kachchh is associated with the northwestern Deccan Continental Flood Basalt Province (CFB) (~65–68 Ma). They form the base of the local Deccan stratigraphy, and their volcanological context is poorly understood. Apart from the flow, there are isolated hills of volcanic rocks, which have stood against the erosional processes that occurred in the basin. This paper provides an overview of features indicative of the interaction between water and lava and/or magma in Kachchh and their suitability as analogue for Mars. We have surveyed <22 craters/cones within the basin for their relevancy as planetary analogue. Evaluated during field investigations and satellite imagery for structures, physiography, and geologic setting concerning climate change from its evolution. The weathering profile and altered aqueous minerals are also proven analogues from the basin. We propose the Dhinodhar, Varar, and other basaltic vents as an analogue for the Ceraunius, Hecates Tholus, and Volcanic Rootless Constructs (VRCs) of Mars.