Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003agufm.p11b1036h&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2003, abstract #P11B-1036
Mathematics
Logic
1821 Floods, 1829 Groundwater Hydrology, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
The Martian outflow channels are the largest fluvial features in the Solar System, and yet there are still many unanswered questions regarding the nature of the floods and their origins. Previous studies have focused mainly on interpretations of the observed fluvial geomorphology and topography of the channels, as well as simplified open-channel flow calculations. However, such interpretations are often ambiguous and do not allow for detailed reconstruction of the number, timing, duration, or magnitude of the floods. We here take a different approach and attempt to model theoretically the outflow channel floods emanating from chaos regions above pressurized aquifers. Modeling was done using a finite difference code to represent the flow within the aquifer. The aquifer properties were modeled using the megaregolith aquifer model of Hanna and Phillips [2003]. We find that a series of floods from a particular chaos region is likely to ensue from a single aquifer pressurization event, due to the slow diffusion of the pressure wave within the aquifer. The peak discharges and volumes predicted are consistent with the size and catastrophic nature of the channels. However, the results suggest that some commonly held assumptions in the interpretation of the channel geomorphology are incorrect. It is unlikely that the outflow channels achieved bankfull flow in their present configuration, and calculations based on this assumption significantly overestimate the peak discharge. For a flood from Iani Chaos at the head of Ares Valles, our predicted peak discharge is on the order of 107 m3s-1, several orders of magnitude lower than that based on the assumption of bankfull flow. The predicted volume of a single flood is approximately 3000 km3, with the total volume being dependent upon the actual number of flood episodes. While the hydrologic models of the martian crust are poorly constrained, our model results give us valuable insight into the nature of the floods. Ultimately, through a combination of geomorphic studies and theoretical modeling, it may be possible to gain greater insight into the floods themselves, as well as the driving forces behind them and the implications for the volatile and climate history of Mars.
Hanna Jeffrey C.
Phillips James R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Theoretical Modeling of Outflow Channels and Chaos Regions on 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 Theoretical Modeling of Outflow Channels and Chaos Regions on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Theoretical Modeling of Outflow Channels and Chaos Regions on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1424804