Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufm.p23a1693o&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #P23A-1693
Mathematics
Logic
[5400] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets, [5422] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Ices, [5462] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Polar Regions, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
Boulders on patterned ground terrain on Mars tend to cluster in cracks (Fig. 1). The precise mechanism for boulder clustering remains unknown but various hypotheses have been proposed. These processes are based on our understanding of patterned ground on Earth but Mars presents a unique situation. We propose the following model (pictured in Figure 2): a) Impact craters or other geological phenomena produce boulders at the surface. b) CO2 frost forms which locks boulders in place. c) The descending temperature wave caused thermal contraction of the underlying polygons. d) The CO2 sublimates releasing the boulders. e) The polygons expand and the boulders experience a net movement towards the polygon edge. Our initial calculations showed that solid CO2 indeed could lock boulders below a size threshold in place and that 5 m diameter polygons contract/expand as much as 5 mm through the year. We now present the results of our detailed analysis of the thermal contraction of polygons and migration of boulders.
Asphaug Erik Ian
Korteniemi Jarmo
Kreslavsky Mikhail A.
Orloff T. C.
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