Dynamic river channels suggest a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

34

Cryosphere: Rivers (0483, 1856), Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Cryosphere: Lakes (9345), Hydrology: River Channels (0483, 0744), Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Hydrology And Fluvial Processes

Scientific paper

Recent images of the Noachian-age Holden Northeast Crater show spectacular meandering channels that form a complex 150 meter thick lacustrine river delta deposit confined to the northwest margin of the crater. We identify 11 major avulsion events in the topmost layer and suggest an avulsion frequency of a few hundred years. The meandering nature of the channels and numerous avulsions is incompatible with deposition on an alluvial fan and clearly reflects a complex history of multiple sustained flows. Assuming an average sedimentation rate of 1mm/year, we suggest that Holden NE Crater contained a lake that persisted for at least 150,000 years. Our analysis is incompatible with this feature being the result of a major bolide impact that would have released a catastrophic flood by groundwater sapping and supports the hypothesis that early Mars was both warmer and wetter during the Noachian.

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

Dynamic river channels suggest a long-lived Noachian crater lake 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 Dynamic river channels suggest a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamic river channels suggest a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1435066

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