Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.h44c..04h&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #H44C-04
Mathematics
Logic
[1825] Hydrology / Geomorphology: Fluvial, [5419] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Hydrology And Fluvial Processes
Scientific paper
Of the rare preserved channel features on Mars, perhaps the most exciting are highly sinuous channels found, to date, in only three locations. We discuss the most extensive of these channel systems in the Aeolis/Zephyra Plana region. The channel features stand in positive relief (as inverted channels). The morphological assemblage of the sinuous ridges [Burr et al., 2009] presents a compelling case for their origin through persistent fluvial meandering within branching networks of preserved channels and associated meander belts. High resolution images reveal narrow sinuous ridges which can often be traced over tens of torturous loops. Wavelengths of these sinuous plateaus range from about 200-500 m and the width of the superposed or embedded ridges ranges from about 20-100 m where well preserved. The flat-topped plateaus exhibit irregular outer edges, often with lobate planforms with about the same size and curvature as bends in the associated sinuous ridges. We interpret these to be cutoff meander loops. In some cases parallel lineations occur interior to the sinuous ridges that appear to be analogs to point bar scars in terrestrial meandering channels. We interpret the sinuous ridges and associated sinuous plateaus featuring lobate scarps to be remnants of floodplains and associated channels formed by meandering streams. These have subsequently been eroded into positive relief by aeolian deflation of weaker surrounding deposits. At the time of fluvial activity the valleys would have been surrounded by uplands (probably with low relief). The dendritic pattern of the floodplain deposits and the considerable period of time required to sculpt the wide floodplains through lateral meander migration with cutoffs indicates a water source from distributed precipitation as rain or snow followed by runoff. The primary geomorphic issue with the martian meanders is the mechanism providing bank cohesion and a low aspect ratio. Terrestrial highly sinuous, unconfined meanders require small aspect ratios, γ (the ratio of channel width, W, to average depth, H). These in turn require resistant stream banks and generally low rates of bedload transport relative to fine, suspended sediment. On earth, resistance generally is conferred either by cohesive, clay-rich sediment deposited from suspension or a dense vegetation cover. Discounting vegetation control on Mars, cohesive banks might have been favored by high clay content, cohesion from ice in permafrost or from post-deposition cementation. The importance of bank cohesion in producing meandering channel patterns is illustrated by the difficulty in producing highly sinuous channels in a laboratory setting. We are presently investigating potential terrestrial analogs in the western US, Alaska, and Australia where bank cohesion may be provided by mechanisms other than vegetation.
Burr Devon M.
Howard Alan D.
Williams Richard
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