Sign on

SAO/NASA ADS Astronomy Abstract Service

· Find Similar Abstracts (with default settings below)
· Electronic Refereed Journal Article (HTML)
· References in the article
· Citations to the Article (16) (Citation History)
· Refereed Citations to the Article
· Also-Read Articles (Reads History)
·
· Translate This Page
Title:
Layering stratigraphy of eastern Coprates and northern Capri Chasmata, Mars
Authors:
Beyer, Ross A.; McEwen, Alfred S.
Affiliation:
AA(Department of Planetary Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA Now at NASA Ames Research Center, MS 245-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA), AB(Department of Planetary Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA Now at NASA Ames Research Center, MS 245-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA)
Publication:
Icarus, Volume 179, Issue 1, p. 1-23. (Icarus Homepage)
Publication Date:
12/2005
Origin:
ELSEVIER
DOI:
10.1016/j.icarus.2005.06.014
Bibliographic Code:
2005Icar..179....1B

Abstract

Distinct competent layers are observed in the slopes of eastern Coprates Chasma, part of the Valles Marineris system on Mars. Our observations indicate that the stratigraphy of Coprates Chasma consists of alternating thin strong layers and thicker sequences of relatively weak layers. The strong, competent layers maintain steeper slopes and play a major role in controlling the overall shape and geomorphology of the chasmata slopes. The topmost competent layer in this area is well preserved and easy to identify in outcrops on the northern rim of Coprates Chasma less than 100 m below the southern Ophir Planum surface. The volume of the topmost emplaced layer is at least 70 km3 and may be greater than 2100 km3 if the unit underlies most of Ophir Planum. The broad extent of this layer allows us to measure elevation offsets within the north rim of the chasma and in a freestanding massif within Coprates Chasma where the layer is also observed. Rim outcrop morphology and elevation differences between Ophir and Aurorae Plana may be indicative of the easternmost extent of the topmost competent layer. These observations allow an insight into the depositional processes that formed the stratigraphic stack into which this portion of the Valles Marineris is carved, and they present a picture of some of the last volcanic activity in this area. Furthermore, the elevation offsets within the layer are evidence of significant subsidence of the massif and surrounding material.
Bibtex entry for this abstract   Preferred format for this abstract (see Preferences)
   

Find Similar Abstracts:

Use: Authors
Title
Abstract Text
Return: Query Results Return    items starting with number
Query Form
Database: Astronomy
Physics
arXiv e-prints