The lack of high-precision imaging data for lunar volcanic regions currently hinders the detailed characterization of lava tube systems and their associated fine-scale geomorphology. To address this information deficit, this study establishes the Jingpo Lake Volcanic Field (JLVF) in Northeast China as a primary terrestrial analog for the lunar Marius Hills complex. We systematically characterize the basaltic morphometric continuum, tracing the geological evolution from proximal scoria cones through medial lava tube skylights to distal lava plateaus. Focusing on the subsurface transport system, we identify a linear chain of discontinuous skylights that structurally mirrors the “proto-rille” stage of lunar sinuous rilles. Quantitative morphometry reveals that these terrestrial vents reproduce the geometric duality of lunar pits, ranging from stable “deep shafts” to degraded “funnel pits,” effectively validating the mechanical diversity of the lunar inventory. Critically, the “U-to-V” cross-sectional transition observed in JLVF collapse trenches serves as diagnostic ground-truth evidence, confirming that lunar rilles originate from the catastrophic roof failure of subsurface tubes rather than purely thermal erosion. Regarding the lava plateau, our field investigation resolves sub-meter micro-textures—including laminar pahoehoe ropes and inflation fissures—that are typically obscured by the resolution limits of current lunar orbiters. These findings suggest that the seemingly “smooth” lunar maria likely host complex, rugged micro-terrains. Therefore, comparing lunar volcanic regions with simulated volcanic fields from Earth is crucial. Analyzing potential volcanic products from angles undetectable by some lunar satellites can offer vital insights for future lunar exploration.

Alluvial fan source-to-sink (S2S) systems in Mars-analog environments are crucial for investigating planetary surface processes. However, traditional S2S analyses lack continuous regional coverage and topographic physical constraints. This study integrates GF-5A spaceborne hyperspectral imagery with DEM data to establish a regional-scale hyperspectral mineral spatial correspondence framework on the western margin of the Qaidam Basin. Using the Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone and Spectral Angle Mapper algorithms, we mapped two representative mixed mineral endmembers: clay–mica and Fe²⁺-bearing silicate mineral assemblages. A terrain-derived hydrological network was constructed to evaluate sub-catchment mapped mineral extents, potential source supply conditions, and potential near-source S2S relationships. The results indicate that the Fe²⁺-bearing silicate mineral assemblage exhibits a close spatial correspondence between source zones and near-source depositional zones, with broadly comparable mapped areas in the source region and proximal areas. Conversely, the clay–mica mineral assemblage displays strong spatial heterogeneity, showing a large-scale reduction in the central core channel. Synergistic validation combining DEM topographic dynamics with vertical spectral profiles from a single ground-based in-situ borehole provides preliminary support for the hypothesis that this surficial mineral differentiation may reflect hydrodynamic sorting and/or multi-stage continuous aggradation. While currently constrained by two-dimensional mapped surface area rather than mineral mass, an evaluation of three proximal pathways, and a preliminary single-core profile without extensive regional ground-truthing, this integrated framework provides a prospective terrestrial analog reference and methodological support for evaluating potential source-to-sink spatial correspondence and reconstructing paleohydrology on Mars.

Alluvial fans and deltas in Gale crater preserve important records of sediment transport from crater-rim and wall catchments to depositional environments on the crater floor. This study investigates their spatial distribution, morphology, source-to-sink relationships, surface texture, and volume using an integrated orbital remote-sensing framework. Deposit boundaries and channel remnants were mapped from the 5 m/pixel Context Camera (CTX) global mosaic, while elevation, slope, drainage networks, catchment boundaries, and volume estimates were derived from the 200 m MOLA–HRSC blended digital elevation model. A total of 12 alluvial fans and three deltas were identified. Most deposits are concentrated along the northwestern crater margin, whereas the southern crater floor is dominated by a broad, low-gradient fan. Comparisons among representative systems show that catchment area alone cannot explain preserved deposit size; sediment-routing efficiency, topographic confinement, accommodation space, depositional setting, and post-depositional modification are also important controls. Volume estimates differ substantially between planar basal-surface fitting and parallel-profile reconstruction, indicating strong method dependence. These results provide a consistent basis for comparing Gale crater depositional systems and demonstrate that preserved fan and delta morphology reflects combined source, transport, depositional, and preservation processes.