Dynamic river channel suggests a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars.
Citation:
Bhattacharya, J.P., Payenberg, T.H.D., Lang, S.C. and Bourke, M.C, Dynamic river channel suggests a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars., Geophysical Research Letters, 32, 10, 2005Download Item:
Mars_Janok.pdf (PDF) 285.3Kb
Abstract:
ecent images of the Noachian-age Holden Northeast
Crater show spectacular meandering channels that form a
complex 150 meter thick lacustrine river delta deposit
confined to the northwest margin of the crater. We identify
11 major avulsion events in the topmost layer and suggest
an avulsion frequency of a few hundred years. The
meandering nature of the channels and numerous
avulsions is incompatible with deposition on an alluvial
fan and clearly reflects a complex history of multiple
sustained flows. Assuming an average sedimentation rate of
1mm/year, we suggest that Holden NE Crater contained a
lake that persisted for at least 150,000 years. Our analysis is
incompatible with this feature being the result of a major
bolide impact that would have released a catastrophic flood
by groundwater sapping and supports the hypothesis that
early Mars was both warmer and wetter during the
Noachian.
Citation:
Bhattacharya, J. P., T. H. D. Payenberg,
S. C. Lang, and M. Bourke (2005), Dynamic river channels
suggest a long-lived Noachian crater lake on Mars
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/bourkem4Description:
PUBLISHED
Author: BOURKE, MARY
Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections:
Series/Report no:
Geophysical Research Letters;32;
10;
Availability:
Full text availableLicences: