Structure pattern analysis of the Noctis Labyrinthus-Valles Marineris regions of Mars |
| |
| Authors: | Philippe Masson |
| |
| Institution: | Laboratoire de Géologie Dynamique Interne, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France |
| |
| Abstract: | The Coprates and Phoenicis Lacus quadrangles of Mars contain the Valles Marineris, Noctis Labyrinthus, and Claritas Fossae areas, each of which shows distinctive structural patterns. Analyses of the structural trends seen within these quadrangles show four principal trend directions. The chronological relationships among these trends and their relation to the stratigraphy has been determined. It appears that the two oldest trends (essentially WSW/ENE and NNE/ SSW), on the basis of transection relations, are best defined in what have been mapped on stratigraphic criteria as older Martian terrains (troughed and furrowed and cratered terrains). Younger trends (WNW/ESE and N/S), also on the basis of transection relations, appear to be related to opening and widening of the canyon. These are present only in the younger stratigraphic units. A comparison between the structural pattern of the Valles Marineris region and that of the Eastern African Rift system at the same scale reveals regional similarities. These suggest that a common major process, lateral extensions in the crust, was involved in the formation of both features. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
