The resurfacing history of Mars - A synthesis of digitized, viking-based geologyA global geologic map series of Mars was digitized at high resolution (1.846 sq km/pixel). It was found that the surface of Mars is predominantly volcanic. A resurfacing history was constructed by estimating the total extent of the geologic units. Eolian resurfacing was prevalent during the Late Amazonian Epoch, affecting 4.9 x 10 to the 6th sq km. It was found that resurfacing rates vary according to the absolute-age scheme used and generally decrease with time. Resurfacing rates were approximately 1000 sq km/yr during the Middle Noachian Epoch, one hundred to several hundred sq km/yr during the Late Noachian to Late Hesperian Epochs, and tens of sq km/yr or less during the Amazonian Period.
Document ID
19890023536
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tanaka, Kenneth L. (Geological Survey Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Isbell, Nancy K. (Geological Survey Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Scott, David H. (USGS Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Greeley, Ronald (Arizona State University Tempe, United States)
Guest, John E. (London, University Observatory, United Kingdom)