162 Planetary Geologic Mapping Across the Solar System

We invite abstracts that showcase planetary geologic maps, discuss mapping strategies, and leverage map-based investigations of planetary surfaces at multiple scales.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 214B

Geologic Mapping of the MTM45302 Quadrangle, East Tempe Terra, Mars

Paper number: 162-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 10:20 AM – 10:35 AM

Authors

Abstract

We present the geologic mapping of a region on Mars in Eastern Tempe Terra, crossing the Tempe Fossae system. The mapping boundaries follow the Mars Transverse Mercator format suggested for Mars, within the MTM45302 quadrangle, between 55.0–60.0° W, and 42.5–47.5° N. The area was included in previous mapping at 1:15M and 1:5M scales; here we provide a larger scale map at 1:1M. Basemaps include the 100 meters per pixel THEMIS IR/Day controlled mosaic for imagery and MGS/MOLA MEGDR data as topographic reference. While our interpretative work is consistent with these basemaps alone, we also used higher-resolution datasets from NASA, ESA, and CSA Mars missions to document key areas. Work was conducted in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, using open digital formats and spatial reference standards. We mapped stratigraphic contacts, linear and point features, and the crater size-frequency distribution to date the geologic units of the area.

The regional topography in the mapped area dips towards the northeast, with a total elevation decrease of about 2000 meters. Plateaus constitute the general morphology of the region, with flat, slightly dipping surfaces set at different elevations. The geologic setting is generally monoclinal, with the two upper units exposing layering along the cliffs, visible from moderate-resolution remote-sensing imagery. Crater size frequency distribution analysis indicates geologic unit ages of 3.8 to 3.4 Ga. A set of parallel elongated valleys oriented NNE-SSW shows mounds, pitted terrain, and fan deltas. The lower plateau unit shows evidence for inverted morphologies of old channels and craters. The main tectonic features of the area are wrinkle ridges and linear fractures. Linear fractures are oriented ENE-WSW, similar to the general trend of the Tempe Terra fault system.

A companion abstract presents evidence of volatiles in the crust through the analysis of crater morphology within the quadrangle (Rasmussen et al., this conference).

We are developing this geologic map following a systematic approach in methods and techniques (Greeley and Batson, 1990; Skinner et al., 2022), experimenting with review processes, and preparing for publication not only the geologic map graphical and textual output but also the geospatial data, which can be distributed and reused for further studies and improvements.

Acknowledgements: This work is supported by the ASI-INAF Mars Exploration agreement 2023-3-HH 0.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-413993

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