Abstract
The northwestern slope valleys region is a prime candidate site for future science-driven Mars exploration because it records Noachian to Amazonian Tharsis development in a region that encapsulates (1) a diverse and temporally extensive stratigraphic record, (2) at least three distinct paleohydrologic regimes, (3) gargantuan structurally controlled flood valleys that generally correspond with gravity and magnetic anomalies, possibly marking ancient magnetized rock materials exposed by fluvial activity, (4) water enrichment, as indicated by Mars Odyssey and impact crater analyses, (5) long-lived magma and ground water/ice interactions that could be favorable for the development and sustenance of life, and (6) potential paleosol development. This region has high probability to yield significant geologic, climatic, and exobiologic information that could revolutionize our understanding of Mars.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-198 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Planetary and Space Science |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 1-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2004 |
Keywords
- Climate
- Exploration
- Geology
- Hydrology
- Life
- Mars
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science