Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars

Details Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars

Dec 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p31b0134v&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P31B-0134

Mathematics

Logic

0520 Data Analysis: Algorithms And Implementation, 0550 Model Verification And Validation, 5415 Erosion And Weathering, 5419 Hydrology And Fluvial Processes

Scientific paper

Valley networks observed on Mars are often invoked to support the historical presence of water on the surface of Mars. There is a need for quantification of these networks and the drainage processes associated with them. Numerical modeling of these streams and drainage basins within a GIS environment allows for rapid assessment of hydrologic surface processes. In this study, several areas of valley networks which had been previously mapped visually using Viking, MOC, and MOLA datasets were re-examined using numeric processes and tools available in ArcGIS. Specifically, stream length and drainage density were quantified using the MOLA gridded DEM and ArcGIS tools. This process is significantly faster than the visual identification and delineation techniques used in the past. The project sought to test whether or not computer-assisted techniques were comparable in accuracy and precision to previous studies using visual techniques. To do this, two quadrangles previously visually mapped by Carr (1995) and Hynek and Phillips (2003) were analyzed. Total valley network length at the first site was found to be 18,300 km, compared to previous estimates of 1,308 km (Carr) and 11,100 km (Hynek and Phillips). Drainage density was calculated to be 0.0605/km, compared to previous estimates of 0.0076/km (Carr) and 0.065/km (Hynek and Phillips). The highest stream order found was 5th, compared to 3rd (Carr) and 6th (Hynek and Phillips). In the second quadrangle, total valley network length was measured at 4,010 km, compared to 453 km and 3,496 km. The drainage density was calculated to be 0.068/km, compared to 0.011/km and 0.082/km. The highest stream order found was 4th, compared to 2nd and 5th. Results were very similar to those using visual interpretation of MOC shaded relief by Hynek and Phillips. A difference in stream order, however, suggests that the computer-aided technique may not connect systems that visually have been connected. Still, automated results offer an expedient alternative to hydrologic surface analysis, especially at the global scale. Quantifying surface drainage will aid in the overall interpretation of past hydrologic activity and could be useful in selecting a landing site that reflects an active hydrologic past.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars 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 Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Numeric Modeling of Valley Networks and Drainage Systems on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-961737