Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007icar..190...24r&link_type=abstract
Icarus, Volume 190, Issue 1, p. 24-31.
Physics
7
Scientific paper
The crustal dichotomy and the Tharsis rise are the most prominent topographic features on Mars. The dichotomy is largely an expression of different crustal thicknesses in the northern and southern hemispheres, while Tharsis is centered near the equator at the dichotomy boundary. However, the cause for the orientation of the dichotomy and the equatorial location of Tharsis remains poorly understood. Here we show that the crustal thickness variations associated with the dichotomy may have driven true polar wander, establishing the north south orientation of the dichotomy very early in martian history. Such a reorientation that placed the dichotomy boundary near the equator would also have constrained the Tharsis region on the dichotomy boundary to have originated near the equator. We present a scenario for the early generation and subsequent reorientation of the hemispheric dichotomy, although the reorientation is independent of the formation mechanism. Our results also have implications for the sharply different remanent magnetizations between the two hemispheres.
Roberts James Hirsch
Zhong Shijie
No associations
LandOfFree
The cause for the north south orientation of the crustal dichotomy and the equatorial location of Tharsis 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 The cause for the north south orientation of the crustal dichotomy and the equatorial location of Tharsis on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The cause for the north south orientation of the crustal dichotomy and the equatorial location of Tharsis on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-966969