Geologic History of the Polar Regions of Mars Based on Mars Global Surveyor Data. II. Amazonian Period

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

45

Scientific paper

Based on Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) observations of Amazonian polar layered deposits' (PLD) morphology, composition, and thickness, we conclude that the PLDs are composed of porous unconsolidated layers that have not experienced significant basal melting or other glacial-type processes. Morphologic features and associations within the PLD chasmata, including preserved craters and sinuous ridges, indicate that the dominant process of chasmata formation is wind scouring. Our detailed analysis of south polar spiral-trough topography, in conjunction with the identification of similar layered stratigraphy within north polar spiral troughs, suggests that trough migration due to preferential ablation of Sun-facing slopes cannot be demonstrated. Within the layered sequences, we have not identified widespread unconformities, discontinuities, or pinch-outs that would indicate an accublation origin of the PLDs. We therefore postulate that the well-defined PLDs at both poles eventually reached and maintained their present form following deposition without extensive deformation or redeposition. Large, cuspate ridges in the Ultimi lobe of Planum Australe appear to be layered and may be unusual erosional remnants of a once thicker PLD in this area. Beneath the north polar layered deposits in Planum Boreum, we have identified a platform of older, highly degraded polar deposits as much as a kilometer thick that may have once covered an area larger than Planum Boreum. .

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

Geologic History of the Polar Regions of Mars Based on Mars Global Surveyor Data. II. Amazonian Period 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 Geologic History of the Polar Regions of Mars Based on Mars Global Surveyor Data. II. Amazonian Period, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Geologic History of the Polar Regions of Mars Based on Mars Global Surveyor Data. II. Amazonian Period will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1553607

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