Abstract
Palaeohydraulic modelling is presented for Athabasca Vallis, the youngest known catastrophic flood channel on Mars. This modelling incorporates three significant advantages over previous modelling of Martian channels: a step-backwater hydraulic model; more accurate topography; and improved flood height indicators The maximum modelled palaeodischarge is between 1 × 106 and 2 × 106 m3 s-1 depending on the friction coefficient selected. An anomalously high palaeostage indicator suggests a region of ponded backwater in the channel in which streamlined forms were created through deposition, with the additional possibility of post-flood subsidence/lowering of the channel slope due to magma extrusion.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 655-664 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Hydrological Sciences Journal |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Athabasca Vallis
- Backwater
- Catastrophic flooding
- Hydraulic modelling
- Mars
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Water Science and Technology