Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model

Details Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model

Mar 2012

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012jgre..11703009m&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 117, Issue E3, CiteID E03009

Physics

Hydrology: Floods (4303), Hydrology: Uncertainty Assessment (1990, 3275), Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Erosion And Weathering, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Hydrology And Fluvial Processes, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote Sensing

Scientific paper

Estimating magnitudes of flow rates in outflow channels has a central role in developing understanding of the paleohydrology of Mars. The typical approach to flow estimation is to identify geomorphic features, which indicate bankfull levels, and then use a hydraulic model to convert these levels into flow rates. Data constraints have meant that important assumptions about model equations, boundary conditions and parameter values have been necessary. In this paper, we use a high-resolution digital terrain model derived from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Context Camera stereopair imagery to develop a finer resolution step backwater hydraulic model than previously attempted. Furthermore, the data facilitate a more critical, more formal and broader assessment of this type of model than has previously been attempted. A distributary channel of Athabasca Valles is used as a case study. The median bankfull flow estimate was 39,000 m3 s‑1, although estimates range up to 140,000 m3 s‑1 depending on the assumptions employed. The principal uncertainties stem from assumptions about bankfull levels and downstream boundary conditions; and assumptions about the friction coefficient, criticality of flow, expansion and contraction losses, and geometric details of the channel are also important under certain conditions. Examination of additional DTMs further downstream would permit the analysis to be extended to hydraulic control sections that provide better-known boundary conditions, hence improving flow estimates. It is concluded that new-generation DTM data provide opportunity for deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities for modeling the paleohydrology of Mars, although further work is needed to achieve satisfactory levels of confidence.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model 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 Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydraulic modeling of a distributary channel of Athabasca Valles, Mars, using a high-resolution digital terrain model will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1563058