Local topography of Mars and its relationship to surface weathering processes

There is a growing body of evidence in favor of the importance of aqueous sedimentary processes on Mars. It is important to understand the role that surface weathering processes have played in the development of the present morphology of the Martian surface. Such an understanding is important not only for its relevance to the study of volatile sources and sinks on Mars through time, but also for its relevance to Martian geologic and tectonic history. Starting in the fall of this year, the Mars Observer Laser Altimeter will begin sending back to Earth data on the topography of Mars that is of a higher quality than most of the topography data available for the Earth. This data will be invaluable, not only for understanding global and large-scale regional processes and landforms on Mars, but also for the study of local and smaller-scale regional processes and landforms. Digital topography is an important part of geologic and geomorphic studies, useful in distinguishing between different lithologies and between different types of weathering. Digital topography data may be used to study a wide variety of local and regional-scale landforms, including valleys, sand dunes, lava flows, landslides, and slopes. Topography data are also essential to the analysis of spectral response patterns, especially in areas of high topographic relief. Geomorphic classification can be significantly improved by the addition of topographic information.