Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p31b0138c&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P31B-0138
Mathematics
Logic
5415 Erosion And Weathering, 5419 Hydrology And Fluvial Processes, 5422 Ices, 5470 Surface Materials And Properties, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
Hesperia Planum is characterized by a vast expanse (> 2 million square kilometers) of ridged plains that fill a depression in the cratered highlands NE of Hellas Basin. Hesperia Planum also contains Tyrrhena Patera, an ancient volcano thought to be composed of a main shield of pyroclastic deposits and a flank unit of lava flows that extends SW for over 1000 km. In Viking Orbiter studies, ridged plains were interpreted to consist of voluminous lava flows that post-date Tyrrhena Patera's eroded shield, but pre-date its late-stage effusive eruptions. The impact crater population of the ridged plains has been used to define the base of the Hesperian System, making Hesperia Planum a key location for Martian stratigraphy. Recent studies have recognized significant fluvial modification of parts of Hesperia Planum and the surrounding highlands. The current work focuses on modification of southern Hesperia Planum and includes new constraints on its geologic history from assessments of superposed craters. South of Tyrrhena Patera, Hesperia Planum shows evidence for local surface dissection by small fluvial valleys. More significant drainage is evident in the form of the upper reaches of Reull Vallis, which provide clear evidence for collapse of ridged plains and fluvial erosion. Various researchers have noted topographic lows within Hesperia Planum, which may have been sites of surface water accumulation (i.e., Morpheos basin). A narrow sinuous channel system parallel to and east of Reull Vallis extends south toward a large expanse of knobby plains, which also may represent the site of a former highland sedimentary basin. Detailed geologic studies have led to revisions in ridged plains boundaries. This is particularly true in west and southwest Hesperia Planum, where pyroclastic and lava flow units associated with Tyrrhena Patera are now recognized. New insights regarding the surface geology of Hesperia Planum allow for new relative age determinations. As new geologic units are identified, we are re-evaluating Viking crater statistics and supplementing them in key locations with new counts using MOC, THEMIS, and HRSC images. This will help to identify different formation events in the creation of Hesperia Planum as well as to examine the history and styles of modification across the ridged plains.
Berman Daniel C.
Crown David A.
Gregg T. K.
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