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Crustal Evolution of the Protonilus Mensae Area, MarsDespite research by numerous geologists and geo- physicists, the age and origin of the martian crustal dichotomy remain uncertain. Models for the origin of this dichotomy involve single or multiple impact, mantle megaplumes, primordial crustal asymmetry, and plate tectonics. Most of these models imply a Noachian age for the dichotomy. A major problem common to all genetic models is the difficulty separating the features resulting from the primary cause for the dichotomy from features due to younger fault- ing, impact cratering, volcanism, deposition, and erosion. highlands (the dichotomy boundary) approximates a small circle that ranges in latitude from about -10 deg. in Elysium Planitia to about +45 deg. north of Arabia Terra. For much of its length the boundary is characterized by relatively steep scarps separating highland plateau to the south from lowland plains to the north, generally with a complex transition zone on the lowland side of these scarps. These scarps are almost certainly due to normal faulting. The type fretted terrain, which defines the boundary in north-central Arabia Terra, also is characterized by scarps but has under- gone a more complex history of faulting and dissection [13]. In some places, notably in the Acidalia Planitia region, the dichotomy boundary is gradational. In the Tharsis region the boundary is obscured by younger volcanics.
Document ID
20040200917
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
McGill, G. E.
(Massachusetts Univ. Amherst, MA, United States)
Smrekar, S. E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Dimitriou, A. M.
(Massachusetts Univ. Amherst, MA, United States)
Raymond, C. A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Workshop on Hemispheres Apart: The Origin and Modification of The Martian Crustal Dichotomy
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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