Geologic mapping of MTM quads 40292 and 40297: In the Utopian lowlands north of the Nilosyrtis Mensae, Mars

Geologic mapping at 1:500,000 scale of the Mars transverse Mercator (MTM) quads 40292 and 40297 is being conducted under the auspices of the Mars Geologic Mapping Program. The study area is located in the southwestern portion of Utopia Planitia immediately north of the Nilosyrtis Mensae, between latitudes 37.5 and 42.5 degrees and longitudes 290 and 300 degrees. The goals of the mapping are to identify the major geologic features in the study area and to determine the sequence and scope of the geologic events that have modified the lowland side of the global dichotomy boundary in this region in order to at least partially constrain models of dichotomy boundary origin and evolution. The progress made towards achieving these goals is reported.