Cratering and obliteration history of the south polar region of Mars

Results are presented from a comprehensive analysis of crater size frequency distributions compiled from Viking Orbiter images of Martian south polar terrains. Depositional histories for the various terrain units are modelled based on deviations of cumulative crater size frequency plots from an assumed production function. Stratigraphic and morphologic data obtained from visual examination of Viking images are also used, primarily to corroborate inferences concerning ages and obliteration histories derived from the crater data.