Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis

Details Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis

Sep 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997jgr...10221545e&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 102, Issue E9, p. 21545-21568

Mathematics

Logic

35

Planetology: Solar System Objects: Mars

Scientific paper

``Stealth'' is a region on Mars that has no distinguishable radar return. Stealth was discovered in 1988 by Muhleman et al. [1991] in 3.5 cm Earth-based radar images, and it was found to extend ~2000km along the Martian equator west of Arsia and Pavonis Montes. Stealth was proposed to be a deposit of unconsolidated, granular material with a minimum thickness of several meters, with the most likely explanation being that Stealth is a volcanic tephra deposit [Muhleman et al., 1991, 1995]. Stealth overlies some of the youngest geologic units on Mars, including lava flows and a giant, curvilinear-ridged lobate unit on the west flank of Arsia Mons. Stealth also overlies part of a region of smooth and wind-scoured materials called the Medusae Fossae Formation. Examination of high-resolution Viking orbiter images suggests that Stealth is the youngest of several discontinuous, wind-worked mantles of fine-grained (<<1cm) sediment. Older deposits of fine sediment appear to be interbedded with lava flows and show evidence of aeolian deposition (dunes and deposits in the lee of topographic obstacles) and erosion (yardangs and pedestal craters). The geologic context supports a volcanic ash origin for Stealth. If Stealth is composed of tephra, then its extent and the nature of landforms in the region indicate that it resulted from multiple eruptions that occurred relatively late in Martian history. Possible source vents include linear depressions (flanked by constructive volcanic landforms) that are located on the lower western slopes of Arsia and Pavonis Montes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Geologic context of the Mars radar ``Stealth'' region in southwestern Tharsis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1227435