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Geologic Characterization of Ladon Valles, Mars and the Surrounding Area

Wolfinger, Doug C.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398291492

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geological Sciences (Arts and Sciences).
Ladon Valles and Ladon Basin, Mars (Ladon study area), are in the path of what is potentially the solar system's longest fluvial system. In this study, the geology of the Ladon study area is analyzed in an attempt to reconstruct the geologic record for the Uzboi-Ladon-Morava drainage system and the Margaritifer Terra region of Mars. An integral part of this reconstruction has been to determine the geologic processes that formed Ladon Valles. Although previous workers have referred to Ladon Valles as an "outflow channel system", no formal geologic characterization has led to that determination. Only precursory discharge estimates have been produced for Ladon Valles and there are discrepancies regarding the timing and duration of erosional and depositional events in the Ladon study area. High resolution orbital data (Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Express), has been used to assess the types of channel that is Ladon Valles's middle channel (main channel), as well as its outer channels, and their discharge as well as establish the timing and duration of events in the Ladon study area through crater retention dating. With these constraints, discharge rates have been estimated. Ladon Valles landforms are consistent with both glacially carved and outflow channels, with the exception of streamlined islands, which is indicative exclusively of outflow channels. With the exception of the final stage, maximum estimates of the discharge values through the main channel are all at least 106 m3 s-1, placing them within the range for outflow channels. The final stage through the main channel was less powerful and is most accurately categorized with valley networks in terms of discharge magnitude. Discharge results for Ladon Valles's anastomosing channels are considerably weaker, some falling within the range for valley networks, and others within that for outflow channels. Water flowed abundantly through the Early-to-Mid-Noachian and began tapering off in the Late Noachian. An Early Hesperian flow was possible but fluvial action more likely came to an end by the Late Noachian.
Keith Milam (Advisor)
Doug Green (Committee Member)
Greg Springer (Committee Member)
118 p.
Geology; Geomorphology; Hydrology; Planetology; Remote Sensing
mars geomorphology; outflow channels; Ladon Valles

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wolfinger, D. C. (2014). Geologic Characterization of Ladon Valles, Mars and the Surrounding Area [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398291492

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wolfinger, Doug. Geologic Characterization of Ladon Valles, Mars and the Surrounding Area. 2014. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398291492.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wolfinger, Doug. "Geologic Characterization of Ladon Valles, Mars and the Surrounding Area." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398291492

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1398291492
676
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.