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Generation of Martian chaos and channels by debris flowsA debris flow mechanism is proposed to account for the formation of chaos and the large channels debouching into Crysae Planitia from the adjacent southern uplands of Mars. Based on considerations of the juxtaposition of individual channel environments, the morphological assemblages within each environment and flow dynamics, it is suggested that the debris flows were triggered by the large-scale failure of subsurface sediments, possibly initiated by a seismic event. During the initial, slow-moving phase of the flow, the debris would have formed gently sinuous channels with multiple side-wall slumps, grooves and ridges, and elongate erosional remnants. The flow would have gained mobility as the debris moved downslope, producing travel distances greatly in excess of those characteristic of terrestrial examples, and eroded, streamlined remnants at the distal reaches of the channel. Finally, due to internal and boundary friction, the flow would have been slowed down once it entered the Chryse plains, resulting in a thin debris blanket with no depositional relief.
Document ID
19810053532
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Nummedal, D.
(Louisiana State Univ. Baton Rouge, LA, United States)
Prior, D. B.
(Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 45
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A37936
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7542
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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