Hydraulic modelling of Athabasca Vallis,Mars |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Palaeohydraulic modelling is presented for Athabasca Vallis, the youngest known catastrophic flood channel on Mars. This modelling incorporates three significant advantages over previous modelling of Martian channels: a step-backwater hydraulic model; more accurate topography; and improved flood height indicators. The maximum modelled palaeodischarge is between 1 × 106 and 2 × 106m3s?1 depending on the friction coefficient selected. An anomalously high palaeostage indicator suggests a region of ponded backwater in the channel in which streamlined forms were created through deposition, with the additional possibility of post-flood subsidence/lowering of the channel slope due to magma extrusion. |
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| Keywords: | Mars Athabasca Vallis catastrophic flooding hydraulic modelling backwater |
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