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The Hypothesis of Caves on Mars Revisited Through MGS Data; Their Potential as Targets for the Surveyor ProgramIn a previous publication, we proposed the formation of caves at mega and microscale on Mars and emphasized their potential for the exobiology exploration. The recent MOC images have shown promising indicators that caves are actually existing on Mars. In the first section, we develop the theoretical potential formation of martian caves. Then, we show how MOC is supporting this hypothesis of their formation and the new types of environments it suggests. The existence of caves on Mars from microscale to microscale structures can be predicted according to the Mars geological and climatic history. A first global approach is to consider caves as a result of underground water activity combined with tectonic movement. They can be formed by: (1) diversion of channel courses in underground conduits; (2) fractures of surface drainage patterns; chaotic terrain and collapsed areas in general; (4) seepage face in valley walls and/or headwaters; (5) inactive hydrothermal vents and lava tubes.
Document ID
20000012710
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Grin, E. A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Cabrol, N. A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
McKay, C. P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Workshop on Mars 2001: Integrated Science in Preparation for Sample Return and Human Exploration
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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