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The origin of polygonal troughs on the northern plains of MarsThe morphology, distribution, geologic environment and relative age of large-scale polygonal trough systems on Mars are examined. The troughs are steep-walled, flat-floored, sinuous depressions typically 200-800 m wide, 20-120 m deep and spaced 5-10 km apart. The mechanics of formation of tension cracks is reviewed to identify the factors controlling the scale of tension crack systems; special emphasis is placed on thermal cracking in permafrost. It is shown that because of the extremely large scale of the Martian fracture systems, they could not have formed by thermal cracking in permafrost, dessication cracking in sediments or contraction cracking in cooling lava. On the basis of photogeologic evidence and analog studies, it is proposed that polygonal troughs on the northern plains of Mars are grabens.
Document ID
19800058152
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Pechmann, J. C.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 42
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
80A42322
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7316
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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