Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
May 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agusm...p41a03r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2001, abstract #P41A-03
Mathematics
Logic
1699 General Or Miscellaneous, 1800 Hydrology, 1829 Groundwater Hydrology, 5499 General Or Miscellaneous, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
The model of the Martian subsurface cryosphere and hydrosphere proposed by Clifford (1993) sets a framework in which we may examine the role of water in shaping surface geology over the history of Mars. Clifford [1] demonstrates that, given current climatic conditions, a zone of frozen ground, or cryosphere, extends from the surface to latitudinally-dependent depth, below which groundwater may exist in liquid form. This cryosphere acts as a seal and, in conjunction with a megaregolith that is highly permeable on a global scale [1], leads to the potential for hydrostatic pressure to build in regions of relatively low topography. Here we examine the conditions under which the seal of the cryosphere may effectively be broken, potentially allowing groundwater under hydraulic head to flow to the surface. We focus initial investigations on the crater Lyot, where the opportunity for this to have occurred is maximized for two reasons: 1) hydrostatic pressure exerted by a global groundwater system should be greatest here because the northern latitudes are some of the lowest elevations on the planet, and 2) Lyot is deep enough that we may expect the impact to have disrupted the full thickness of the local nominal cryosphere depth ( ~4 km [1]). The interior of Lyot does not exhibit signs of major fluvial alteration as would be expected if groundwater flowed into the crater. These observations provide constraints on the model of the subsurface cryosphere and hydrosphere and on the ability of groundwater to reach the surface. The cryosphere may be thicker than theorized, pressure- and permeability-dependent flow rates may not be great enough to overcome freezing raters, or the elevation of subsurface saturation is too low for groundwater to achieve the surface. Additional studies may better constrain the factors contributing to conditions and processes in the cryosphere, the amount of water in the global inventory, and the evolution of the hydrologic cycle on Mars. [1] Clifford, S. M., 1993, J. Geophys. Res., 98, E6, 10973-11016.
Head James
Russell Peter
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