Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufm.p51b1429b&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #P51B-1429
Mathematics
Logic
[5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
Mapping studies using traditional photogeologic and modern digital geologic mapping techniques of Mawrth Vallis (six MTM quads; 17.5-27.5N, 335-350E) and Nili Fossae (six MTM quads; 17.5-32.5N, 070-080E) at 1:1M-scale are being used to assess geologic materials and processes that shape the highlands along the Arabia Terra dichotomy boundary. Placing these landscapes, their material units, structural features, and unique compositional outcrops into broad spatial and temporal context may help to constrain: a) paleo-environments and climate conditions through time, b) fluvial-nival modification processes related to past and present volatile distribution and their putative reservoirs (aquifers, lakes and oceans, surface and ground ice) and c) the influences of nearby volcanic and tectonic features on hydrologic systems and processes, including possible hydrothermal alteration, across the region. Since the initial discovery of phyllosilicate-bearing materials by the OMEGA instrument (Poulet et al., 2005; Bibring et al., 2006], Mawrth Vallis and Nili Fossae have become areas of intense scrutiny by high-resolution cameras and spectrometers. The mineralogic diversity (a variety of clays, unaltered ferromagnesian silicates, sulfates, and small detections of carbonate) is unprecedented on the surface of Mars and requires stratigraphic sequencing to unlock their complex histories. Mapping to date has delineated 12 geologic units for Mawrth Vallis and 17 for Nili Fossae. Mawrth Vallis units include: Acidalia Planitia; Arabia Terra, members 1&2; Mawrth Vallis channel; Mawrth Vallis plains, members 1-4; and several crater facies. Nili Fossae units are: Arabia Terra plateau sequence, members 1-5, Arabia Plateau etched, members a-c; Borealis plains; Isisdis plains, members 1-3, Syrtis Major flows, members 1,2a,&2b, crater facies, and surficial deposits. It is our hope that the small-scale mapping being performed herein may provide regional context for larger-scale and more focused studies (e.g., MSL landing site surveys) investigating the distribution, stratigraphic position, and potential lateral continuity of compositionally distinct outcrops as identified by instruments in orbit. Geologic Map of Nili Fossae. Updated maps of Nili Fossae and Mawrth Vallis will be presented and available for digital distribution.
Bleamaster Leslie F.
Chuang Frank
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