The nature and origin of periodically spaced tectonic features on Mars

The final report on the nature and origin of periodically spaced tectonic features on Mars is presented. The focus of this investigation was to characterize and model the periodically spaced wrinkle ridges observed in ridged plains material on Mars. The investigation centered on the wrinkle ridges in ridged plains material on the Tharsis Plateau. Wrinkle ridges are interpreted to be structural in origin, resulting from buckling followed by reverse or thrust faulting of the ridged plains material. The study extended beyond Tharsis to other ridged plains units, particularly those in Hesperia Planum. As a corollary, an analysis of the spacing of the anticlinal ridges of the Yakima Fold Belt of the Columbia Plateau in the NW United States was undertaken.