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) |
|---|---|
| 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