Continental-scale glaciation and erosion on Mars: evidence for an extensive south polar ice cap in the Hesperian

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Scientific paper

The Dorsa Argentea Formation (Hd) forms south polar plains which embay older highland rocks. A second unit composed of rough massive deposits exposed in walls and floors of large irregular pits occurs largely surrounded by Hd. New MOLA altimetry data provide insight into processes associated with the emplacement of the units. Narrow sinuous ridges are interpreted as eskers and their distribution suggests that unit Hd was volatile-rich, underwent significant basal melting, lateral liquid water transport, and extensive retreat, forming proglacial lakes along the margins. Pits are interpreted as representing basal melting and collapse of ice-rich deposits associated with subglacial volcanism. MOLA data reveal evidence for marginal push moraines and marginal channels, flooding impact craters adjacent to the deposit with meltwater. Taken together, all these features support the interpretation that these units represent glacial deposits that were once more volumetrically extensive than at present, having since undergone significant melting and retreat. Where did the water go? Chasmata and esker-like ridges strongly suggest that much of the water migrated laterally to the edges of the deposits. An analysis of the edges of these deposits shows that sinuous channels emerge from the distal margins of the circumpolar deposits and extend downslope over hundreds of km into adjacent lows such as the Argyre Basin. These channels are interpreted to result from drainage of water from the receding polar cap. Meltwater may have played a significant role in recharging the global groundwater system.

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