Evolution of the floor of Hellas Basin, Mars: Implications for regional glacial processes

Mathematics – Logic

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[5415] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Erosion And Weathering, [5416] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Glaciation, [5464] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Remote Sensing, [5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties

Scientific paper

Geologic features on Mars show clear evidence of modification by water and water ice. Studies have suggested that ice remains just below the martian surface today buried beneath tens of centimeters of soil. Past obliquity variations have been theorized to have promoted the formation and stability of ground ice near the equator, possibly promoting the accumulation of glaciers and the subsequent formation of periglacial terrain. Potential glacial and periglacial features have also been observed on the rim and floor of Hellas Basin; these include esker-like ridges, drumlin-like hills, grooved terrain (possible glacial scour), moraine-like deposits, lacustrine deposits, lobate debris aprons, and hourglass craters containing flow features. These potential glacial features could indicate present-day near-surface ice, with implications for global hydrologic cycle modeling, astrobiology studies, and the search for resources in the Solar System. We assess the geologically recent effects of ice on the evolution of the surface of this region of Mars by evaluating the spatial distribution of glacial features within and surrounding Hellas Basin. An in-depth survey of visible images and new nighttime infrared images from the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) aboard Mars Odyssey and visible images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is undertaken in order to extend high quality coverage of the basin floor and its features. Initial findings confirm widespread morphologic evidence for glacial and periglacial processes on the basin floor, including moraine deposits, flow features and sublimation terrain. Preliminary analyses reveal correlations between glacial features and fluvial and lacustrine deposits, providing insights into the past hydrologic cycle of the region. We quantitatively model the depth to present-day, near-surface ice at glacial and periglacial feature locations throughout the region using THEMIS infrared data. Preliminary model results indicate a relationship between surface morphologic elements and the presence of near-surface ice.

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