The geologic history of Margaritifer basin, Mars

M. R. Salvatore, M. D. Kraft, C. S. Edwards, P. R. Christensen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the fluvial, sedimentary, and volcanic history of Margaritifer basin and the Uzboi-Ladon-Morava outflow channel system. This network of valleys and basins spans more than 8000 km in length, linking the fluvially dissected southern highlands and Argyre basin with the northern lowlands via Ares Vallis. Compositionally, thermophysically, and morphologically distinct geologic units are identified and are used to place critical relative stratigraphic constraints on the timing of geologic processes in Margaritifer basin. Our analyses show that fluvial activity was separated in time by significant episodes of geologic activity, including the widespread volcanic resurfacing of Margaritifer basin and the formation of chaos terrain. The most recent fluvial activity within Margaritifer basin appears to terminate at a region of chaos terrain, suggesting possible communication between surface and subsurface water reservoirs. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these observations on our current knowledge of Martian hydrologic evolution in this important region.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)273-295
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Geophysical Research: Planets
Volume121
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Mars
  • channel
  • geology
  • spectroscopy
  • water

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Space and Planetary Science

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