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Evolution of Martian polar landscapes - Interplay of long-term variations in perennial ice cover and dust storm intensityThe discovery of a new type of Martian polar terrain, called undulating plain, is reported and the evolution of the plains and other areas of the Martian polar region is discussed in terms of the trapping of dust by the perennial ice cover. High-resolution Viking Orbiter 2 observations of the north polar terrain reveal perennially ice-covered surfaces with low relief, wavelike, regularly spaced, parallel ridges and troughs (undulating plains) occupying areas of the polar terrain previously thought to be flat, and associated with troughs of considerable local relief which exhibit at least partial annual melting. It is proposed that the wavelike topography of the undulating plains originates from long-term periodic variations in cyclical dust precipitation at the margin of a growing or receding perennial polar cap in response to changes in insolation. The troughs are proposed to originate from areas of steep slope in the undulating terrain which have lost their perennial ice cover and have become incapable of trapping dust. The polar landscape thus appears to record the migrations, expansions and contractions of the Martian polar cap.
Document ID
19790056630
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cutts, J. A.
(Science Applications, Inc. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Blasius, K. R.
(Science Applications, Inc. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Roberts, W. J.
(Science Applications, Inc. Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
June 10, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 84
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A40643
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-954149
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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