The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars

Details The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars

May 1980

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1980icar...42..185p&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 42, May 1980, p. 185-210.

Mathematics

Logic

43

Geomorphology, Mars Photographs, Mars Surface, Photogeology, Polygonization, Troughs, Cracking (Fracturing), High Resolution, Permafrost, Plains, Tectonics, Tensile Stress, Topography, Viking Orbiter Spacecraft, Mars, Origin, Troughs, Features, Plains, Characteristics, Grabens, Comparisons, Morphology, Fractures, Cracks, Depth, Photographs, Ages, Topography, Distribution, Geology, Environment, Acidalia Planitia, Diagrams, Cooling, Permafrost, Lava, Tectonism, Deformation, Thermal Effects, Stress

Scientific paper

The morphology, distribution, geologic environment and relative age of large-scale polygonal trough systems on Mars are examined. The troughs are steep-walled, flat-floored, sinuous depressions typically 200-800 m wide, 20-120 m deep and spaced 5-10 km apart. The mechanics of formation of tension cracks is reviewed to identify the factors controlling the scale of tension crack systems; special emphasis is placed on thermal cracking in permafrost. It is shown that because of the extremely large scale of the Martian fracture systems, they could not have formed by thermal cracking in permafrost, dessication cracking in sediments or contraction cracking in cooling lava. On the basis of photogeologic evidence and analog studies, it is proposed that polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars are grabens.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars 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 The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1359835