Cavi Angusti, Mars: Characterization and assessment of possible formation mechanisms

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

10

Planetology: Solar System Objects: Mars, Planetary Sciences: Volcanism (8450), Planetary Sciences: Polar Regions, Planetary Sciences: Glaciation

Scientific paper

Cavi Angusti represent a series of large irregular depressions localized in part of the south circumpolar area previously mapped as the Hesperian-aged Dorsa Argentea Formation. Their origin has primarily been interpreted to be due to eolian deflation or subglacial melting. We use MGS MOLA and MOC data to analyze the largest of these features (~100 × 50 km, and up to about 1500 m deep). These data reveal terraced interiors, centrally located equidimensional and elongated edifices, and lava-flow-like structures that strongly suggest that this basin formed as a result of magmatic intrusion and extrusion, causing heating and melting of a volatile-rich substrate and drainage and loss of the liquid water. Volume estimates and heat transfer calculations are consistent with a mechanism involving a combination of intrusion and extrusion very similar to that observed to be responsible for Icelandic subglacial eruptions and meltwater generation. Mounds and ridges in the floors of other depressions suggest that this mechanism may have operated in at least several other features of the Cavi. Eolian activity, sublimation, and solution are also likely to have played a role in further modification of these features. Meltwater from basin formation appears to have drained laterally and may also have reentered the regional subsurface groundwater system.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Cavi Angusti, Mars: Characterization and assessment of possible formation mechanisms 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 Cavi Angusti, Mars: Characterization and assessment of possible formation mechanisms, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cavi Angusti, Mars: Characterization and assessment of possible formation mechanisms will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1463732

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.