Geologic evolution of drainage basins: Margaritifer Sinus Quadrangle, Mars

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6598172

Grant, J A; Boothroyd, J C

Relative ages have been assigned to selected surfaces in the Margaritifer Sinus Quadrangle based on 102 crater counts employing the method of dating local surfaces, utilizing small, homogeneous crater populations. Ages are given as the number of craters >1km x 10/sup 6/km/sup -2/, obtained by projection of the Neukum and Wise standard curve (1976). Four resurfacing events of probably volcanic origin have been recognized. The earliest (300,000-100,000), of wide regional extent, was the first modification of the cratered highlands. A second event (70,000-50,000), also of regional extent, coincides with the end of crustal destruction of the northern part of Mars. The third event (14,000-8200), the youngest surface dissected by valley networks, occurred near the end of emplacement of the Lunae Planum lava plains. The youngest surface (6000-2000), also dated mainly in MC19SE, occurs locally, filling basins, and always covers valley networks when present. Major valley and channel formation occurred from 10,000-5000, concurrent with peak Tharsis tectonic activity. Events include the formation of Uzboi/Ladon Valles with deposition in Ladon Basin (11,000-6200), and the formation of Samara and Parana/Loire Valles in MC19SE (8500-4500). Flow out of Ladon Basin and Samara and Parana/Loire Valles created etched terrain (9000-4500) that is synchronous with initiation of Margaritifer and Iani Chaos (10,000-2300). Comparison with the standard lunar crater curve yields an absolute date of 3.75 to 3.6 BY for the peak period of valley formation.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6598172
• Report Number(s): CONF-8510489-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580100* -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
640107 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AGE ESTIMATION
CAVITIES
CRATERS
DRAINAGE
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOMORPHOLOGY
LAVA
MARS PLANET
PLANETS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
TOPOGRAPHY
WATERSHEDS