Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
May 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004agusm.p33d..08l&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2004, abstract #P33D-08
Mathematics
Logic
5415 Erosion And Weathering, 5470 Surface Materials And Properties, 5480 Volcanism (8450)
Scientific paper
Martian impact craters associated with channels and inner terraces have previously been considered excellent candidates for the locations of ancient lacustrine environments. However, a study of thirty widely-distributed regions containing typical examples of purported crater lakes suggests instead that the channel and terrace features may have formed through igneous processes involving the flow and ponding of lava. While a variety of processes must have been responsible for early terrain evolution at these sites, it is apparent that more recent volcanic resurfacing events were the source of much of the crater fill present at the sites and in surrounding regions, and were responsible for the formation of features related to the flow, deposition, and subsidence of these materials. Evidence in support of an igneous origin for ``crater lake'' features includes: a) strong morphological similarity between channels and sinuous volcanic rilles on both Mars and the Moon; b) widespread association with crater fill of wrinkle ridges, lobate margins, and peripheral terraces and moats, all of which bear strong resemblance to corresponding lunar features considered to be indicative of the flow and subsidence of volcanic materials; c) similarity between the local surface texture of crater fill and that of materials found on the flanks of large Martian volcanoes; and d) cratering records and nighttime thermal properties of crater fill that are consistent with relatively dense and consolidated materials. The case for the igneous origin of terrace, channel, and fill features in the study areas is further strengthened by inconsistencies between the nature of these features and the lacustrine hypothesis. These findings have potentially important implications regarding our understanding of the evolution of Martian climate and the volatile history of the planet. They furthermore suggest that astrobiological conclusions made on the basis of earlier lacustrine interpretations may need to be revisited.
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