Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufm.p51b1433l&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #P51B-1433
Mathematics
Logic
[5415] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Erosion And Weathering, [5419] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Hydrology And Fluvial Processes, [5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
The Aeolis-Zephyria Plana region on Mars hosts a large population of sinuous ridges (SRs), interpreted as inverted paleochannels, formed by precipitation, indurated by chemical cementation, buried by subsequent deposition and finally exhumed (Burr et al. 2009, 2010). They are located within the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF), dated to the Hesperian/Amazonian epochs. This study concentrates on a dense network of SRs, shown in Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data to be more integrated and extensive than previously thought. With CTX images as the basemap, HiRISE images for close-up morphological investigations, and the MOLA DEM, MOLA tracks and a CTX DEM for topographic information, we have examined this network, estimating thicknesses, cross-section and longitudinal profiles and slope directions. Because of its triangular plan view, this network had previously been interpreted as a fan, with flow to the northeast. However, all the available topographic data show most of the SR slopes decrease toward the southwest, although some segments, notably in the northern part of the network do decrease toward the northeast (figure 1). In addition, the slopes do not decrease monotonically, but both increase and decrease along their profile. This inconsistency of slopes suggests that the network has been subject to post-formation modification. We propose two major causes for these inconsistent slopes: 1) localized erosion and 2) differential settling. Localized erosion would have removed the capping layer, exposing underlying and less indurated sediments to collapse. We hypothesize that localized erosion occurred preferentially in locations where i) the flat upper surface of an SR has been removed and ii) the reduction in elevation of the SR surface along profile is less than the average SR relief. Differential settling would have entailed the compaction of porous material under a now-eroded overlaying mass. We hypothesize that differential settling occurred where i) the flat upper surface is preserved and ii) the reduction in elevation of the SR upper surface along profile is greater than the average SR relief. We use these criteria to assess the post-formation modification of this region, in order to gain more understanding of the nature and porosity of the MFF material. Blue: downward slope toward the SE; red: downward slope toward the NE; green: horizontal surface. Contour interval: 20 m.
Beyer Ross A.
Burr Devon M.
Howard Alan D.
Lefort Alexandra
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