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Large Well-exposed Alluvial Fans in Deep Late-Noachian CratersLarge, fresh-appearing alluvial fans (typically greater than 10 km long) have been identified during a systematic search of 100 m/pixel low-sun daylight THEMIS IR imaging in deep late-Noachian or early- Hesperian craters. Our study of these fans was augmented with MOLA-derived topography and high-resolution MOC and THEMIS VIS images where available. The influence of alluvial fan deposition on the topography of crater floors has been recognized in previous topographic studies. Recent Mars Odyssey-era studies have also identified and described in detail a fluvial delta or fan of approximately the same age as the alluvial fans of this study. Our results, at the time of this writing, indicate that these fans are only found in less than 5% of all craters = 70 km in diameter within a large study region. In every case the fan-containing craters were restricted to a latitude belt between 20 deg S and 30 deg S. All of which had significant topographic relief and appeared morphologically younger than typical mid-Noachian craters in the size range. However, large fans were not found in the most pristine (and presumably youngest) craters in this size range. Most Martian fans have morphologies consistent with terrestrial debris-flow-dominated fans.
Document ID
20040065889
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Moore, J. M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Howard, A.D.
(Virginia Univ. Charlottesville, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Martian Aeolian and Mass Wasting Processes: BLowing and Flowing
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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