Title: Nature and origin of layered deposits of the Martian polar regions
Abstract: Journal of Geophysical Research (1896-1977)Volume 78, Issue 20 p. 4231-4249 Nature and origin of layered deposits of the Martian polar regions James A. Cutts, James A. CuttsSearch for more papers by this author James A. Cutts, James A. CuttsSearch for more papers by this author First published: 10 July 1973 https://doi.org/10.1029/JB078i020p04231Citations: 139AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Layered deposits in the polar regions of Mars may be formed from fine dust ultimately derived from the canyons and other eroded terrains of the equatorial regions. An analysis of dust deposition in the area of annual frost cover predicts the formation of vast featureless domed plateaus underlain by layered deposits of dust. Television observations suggest that these plateaus once existed, but they have now been dissected and stripped from most of the area of annual frost cover. A possible explanation is that a major secular change has occurred in the erosional environment of the Martian polar regions. Estimates of depositional rates of dust under current atmospheric conditions place the time span represented by the accumulation of layered deposits at about 500 m. y. Because of erosion the present surface appears very young and lacks any impact craters. The present rate of water ice accumulation in the area of perennial frost is comparable to that of dust, and thus it is suggested that large quantities of water ice may be trapped with dust beneath the perennial frost caps. The formation of terraced erosional surfaces corresponding to individual layers or groups of layers indicates variations in response to erosion. One possible explanation is that reworking of the surface has occurred during intervals of nondeposition. Perennial frost appears to inhibit erosion of the layered deposits. One speculative possibility is that the secular change in erosional conditions corresponds to a reduction in the area of the perennial polar cap. Materials eroded from the layered deposits appear to have been redeposited in the mid-latitudes of Mars. References Anderson, D. E., C. Hord, Mariner 6 and 7 ultraviolet spectrometer experiment: Analysis of Lyman alpha data, J. Geophys. Res., 76, 6666, 1971. Anderson, R. Y., L. H. 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Publication Year: 1973
Publication Date: 1973-07-10
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 171
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