Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p13a1262l&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P13A-1262
Mathematics
Logic
[5419] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Hydrology And Fluvial Processes, [5464] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Remote Sensing
Scientific paper
There have been numerous observations of long, relatively sinuous, positive relief landforms on Mars that appear morphologically similar to inverted channel deposits (ICDs) on Earth that represent exhumed fluvial sediments. ICDs initially form as bed sediments within active stream channels that subsequently become cemented, commonly by carbonates, iron oxides, or amorphous silica precipitated during evaporation. Subsequent deflation by aeolian processes reveals these sediments as positive relief features. Features such as the putative delta system in Eberswalde crater and the sinuous ridge in Miyamoto crater appear morphologically similar to terrestrial ICDs. The goal of this study is to better understand how terrestrial ICDs appear to remote sensing instruments that are similar to the ones currently orbiting Mars, and whether they have morphologic or spectroscopic characteristics that could help to identify them from orbit as paleofluvial deposits. Specifically, the presence of cement materials in conjunction with inverted terrain may help to identify potential ICDs on Mars. While carbonate is an unlikely cementing agent on Mars, both iron oxide and amorphous silica have been observed there. A terrestrial analog may be found in ICDs in the Cedar Mountain formation in Green River, Utah. Preliminary electron microprobe results indicate that the cement in these ICDs is primarily an amorphous silica (chalcedony) rather than a carbonate. If some martian inverted features are similarly cemented, they may not initially appear to be sedimentary features in infrared (IR) spectroscopy remote sensing data, especially if their constituent sediments are basaltic. We will show results from our initial laboratory examination of terrestrial ICD samples in mid-IR emission spectroscopy and compare these with remote sensing data of these ICDs in a similar band range from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) to identify features characteristic of silica cement. Of particular importance are the differences between the remote and in situ studies, and the implications these have for identifying similar features on Mars.
Lanza N.
Newsom Horton E.
Okubo Chris H.
Ollila Ann M.
Rampe E. B.
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