The northwestern slope valleys (NSVs) region, Mars: A prime candidate site for the future exploration of Mars

James M. Dohm, Justin C. Ferris, Nadine G. Barlow, Victor R. Baker, William C. Mahaney, Robert C. Anderson, Trent M. Hare

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)189-198
Number of pages10
JournalPlanetary and Space Science
Volume52
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2004

Keywords

  • Climate
  • Exploration
  • Geology
  • Hydrology
  • Life
  • Mars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The northwestern slope valleys (NSVs) region, Mars: A prime candidate site for the future exploration of Mars'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this