Mars north polar deposits: stratigraphy, age, and geodynamical response
Science
By: R.J. Phillips, M.T. Zuber, S.E. Smrekar, M. T. Mellon, J.W. Head, K. L. Tanaka, N.E. Putzig, S.M. Milkovich, B.A. Campbell, J.J. Plaut, A. Safaeinili, R. Seu, D. Biccari, L.M. Carter, G. Picardi, R. Orosei, Mohit P. Surdas, E. Heggy, R.W. Zurek, A.F. Egan, E. Giacomoni, F. Russo, M. Cutigni, E. Pettinelli, J.W. Holt, C.J. Leuschen, and L. Marinangeli
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Abstract
The Shallow Radar (SHARAD) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has imaged the internal stratigraphy of the north polar layered deposits of Mars. Radar reflections within the deposits reveal a laterally continuous deposition of layers, which typically consist of four packets of finely spaced reflectors separated by homogeneous interpacket regions of nearly pure ice. The packet/interpacket structure can be explained by approximately million-year periodicities in Mars' obliquity or orbital eccentricity. The observed ???100-meter maximum deflection of the underlying substrate in response to the ice load implies that the present-day thickness of an equilibrium elastic lithosphere is greater than 300 kilometers. Alternatively, the response to the load may be in a transient state controlled by mantle viscosity. Both scenarios probably require that Mars has a subchondritic abundance of heat-producing elements.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mars north polar deposits: stratigraphy, age, and geodynamical response |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.1157546 |
| Volume | 320 |
| Issue | 5880 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Science |
| First page | 1182 |
| Last page | 1185 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |