T80 Planetary Geologic Mapping: Exploring the Solar System (Posters)

Sunday, 25 September 2016
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Exhibit Hall E/F

GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF VOLATILE-RICH TERRAINS AROUND UPPER DAO AND NIGER VALLES, NORTHEAST HELLAS, MAR

Paper number: T80-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

Through geologic mapping and morphologic and spectral analyses, we are investigating the geologic and hydrologic histories of the eastern rim of Hellas, where important spatial and temporal relationships between volcanic and volatile-driven processes are preserved. This region displays a unique confluence of ancient rugged highlands, volcanic terrains, the canyons of Dao and Niger Valles, channelized plains, and geologically young volatile-rich mass wasting and mantling deposits.

We are using ArcGIS to compile image, topographic, and spectral datasets in order to produce a 1:1M-scale geologic map of MTM quadrangles -35262, -35267 and -35272. THEMIS day and night thermal infrared brightness temperature mosaics (~100 m/pixel) are the primary mapping bases and are being used to distinguish between units with different thermophysical properties. CTX (~5 m/pixel) and THEMIS VIS (~18 m/pixel) images provide complementary spatial coverage and serve as context for high-resolution HiRISE (<1 m/pixel) and MOC-NA (~1.5-12 m/pixel) images that allow detailed analyses of mapped units and features. CRISM multispectral (~100-200 m/pixel) and hyperspectral (~18-36 m/pixel) data show the occurrence and distribution of primary minerals and their alteration products within surficial materials. Crater size-frequency distribution statistics and stratigraphic relationships are used to determine relative ages.

We are mapping geologic units and features that define four prominent terrains within the map area, including highlands in the west and southeast, the Tyrrhenus Mons flow field in the east, the southern flank materials of Hadriacus Mons (HM), and plains that occupy the central part of the map area. Mapping shows that volatile-related processes modified nearly every surface in the map area. Evidence for flow of fluids across the surface includes gullies, channels, and valley networks. Evidence for modification by subsurface/interstitial volatiles is preserved as areas of collapsed plains, fluidized ejecta blankets, and lobate mass wasting deposits. The ejecta blankets of most fresh craters display a continuous proximal deposit with lobate edges, and a discontinuous knobby and etched distal deposit.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 48, No. 7

doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-285687

© Copyright 2016 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.