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The impact origin and evolution of Chryse Planitia on Mars revealed by buried craters. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4257. [PMID: 31534129 PMCID: PMC6751168 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12162-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Large impacts are one of the most important processes shaping a planet's surface. On Mars, the early formation of the Martian crust and the lack of large impact basins (only four unambiguously identified: Hellas, Argyre, Utopia, and Isidis) indicates that a large part of early records of Mars' impact history is missing. Here we show, in Chryse Planitia, the scarcity of buried impact craters in a near-circular area could be explained by a pre-existing topographic depression with more intense resurfacing. Spatially correlated with positive Bouguer anomaly, this near-circular region with a diameter of ~1090 km likely originated from an impact. This proposed large impact basin must have been quickly relaxed or buried after its formation more than 4.0 billion years ago and heavily modified by subsequent resurfacing events. We anticipate our study to open a new window to unravelling the buried records of early Martian bombardment record.
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Oehler DZ, Etiope G. Methane Seepage on Mars: Where to Look and Why. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:1233-1264. [PMID: 28771029 PMCID: PMC5730060 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Methane on Mars is a topic of special interest because of its potential association with microbial life. The variable detections of methane by the Curiosity rover, orbiters, and terrestrial telescopes, coupled with methane's short lifetime in the martian atmosphere, may imply an active gas source in the planet's subsurface, with migration and surface emission processes similar to those known on Earth as "gas seepage." Here, we review the variety of subsurface processes that could result in methane seepage on Mars. Such methane could originate from abiotic chemical reactions, thermogenic alteration of abiotic or biotic organic matter, and ancient or extant microbial metabolism. These processes can occur over a wide range of temperatures, in both sedimentary and igneous rocks, and together they enhance the possibility that significant amounts of methane could have formed on early Mars. Methane seepage to the surface would occur preferentially along faults and fractures, through focused macro-seeps and/or diffuse microseepage exhalations. Our work highlights the types of features on Mars that could be associated with methane release, including mud-volcano-like mounds in Acidalia or Utopia; proposed ancient springs in Gusev Crater, Arabia Terra, and Valles Marineris; and rims of large impact craters. These could have been locations of past macro-seeps and may still emit methane today. Microseepage could occur through faults along the dichotomy or fractures such as those at Nili Fossae, Cerberus Fossae, the Argyre impact, and those produced in serpentinized rocks. Martian microseepage would be extremely difficult to detect remotely yet could constitute a significant gas source. We emphasize that the most definitive detection of methane seepage from different release candidates would be best provided by measurements performed in the ground or at the ground-atmosphere interface by landers or rovers and that the technology for such detection is currently available. Key Words: Mars-Methane-Seepage-Clathrate-Fischer-Tropsch-Serpentinization. Astrobiology 17, 1233-1264.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Etiope
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma 2, Roma, Italy, and Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Baker VR, Hamilton CW, Burr DM, Gulick VC, Komatsu G, Luo W, Rice JW, Rodriguez J. Fluvial geomorphology on Earth-like planetary surfaces: A review. GEOMORPHOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 245:149-182. [PMID: 29176917 PMCID: PMC5701759 DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Morphological evidence for ancient channelized flows (fluvial and fluvial-like landforms) exists on the surfaces of all of the inner planets and on some of the satellites of the Solar System. In some cases, the relevant fluid flows are related to a planetary evolution that involves the global cycling of a volatile component (water for Earth and Mars; methane for Saturn's moon Titan). In other cases, as on Mercury, Venus, Earth's moon, and Jupiter's moon Io, the flows were of highly fluid lava. The discovery, in 1972, of what are now known to be fluvial channels and valleys on Mars sparked a major controversy over the role of water in shaping the surface of that planet. The recognition of the fluvial character of these features has opened unresolved fundamental questions about the geological history of water on Mars, including the presence of an ancient ocean and the operation of a hydrological cycle during the earliest phases of planetary history. Other fundamental questions posed by fluvial and fluvial-like features on planetary bodies include the possible erosive action of large-scale outpourings of very fluid lavas, such as those that may have produced the remarkable canali forms on Venus; the ability of exotic fluids, such as methane, to create fluvial-like landforms, as observed on Saturn's moon, Titan; and the nature of sedimentation and erosion under different conditions of planetary surface gravity. Planetary fluvial geomorphology also illustrates fundamental epistemological and methodological issues, including the role of analogy in geomorphological/geological inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor R. Baker
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, Department of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Christopher W. Hamilton
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, Department of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Devon M. Burr
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996-1410, USA
| | - Virginia C. Gulick
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, MS 239-20, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Goro Komatsu
- International Research School of Planetary Sciences, Università d’Annunzio, Viale Pindaro 42, 65127 Pescara, Italy
| | - Wei Luo
- Department of Geography, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | | | - J.A.P. Rodriguez
- NASA Ames Research Center, MS 239-20, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
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Models of formation and activity of spring mounds in the mechertate-chrita-sidi el hani system, eastern Tunisia: implications for the habitability of Mars. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:386-432. [PMID: 25370379 PMCID: PMC4206853 DOI: 10.3390/life4030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spring mounds on Earth and on Mars could represent optimal niches of life development. If life ever occurred on Mars, ancient spring deposits would be excellent localities to search for morphological or chemical remnants of an ancient biosphere. In this work, we investigate models of formation and activity of well-exposed spring mounds in the Mechertate-Chrita-Sidi El Hani (MCSH) system, eastern Tunisia. We then use these models to explore possible spring mound formation on Mars. In the MCSH system, the genesis of the spring mounds is a direct consequence of groundwater upwelling, triggered by tectonics and/or hydraulics. As they are oriented preferentially along faults, they can be considered as fault spring mounds, implying a tectonic influence in their formation process. However, the hydraulic pressure generated by the convergence of aquifers towards the surface of the system also allows consideration of an origin as artesian spring mounds. In the case of the MCSH system, our geologic data presented here show that both models are valid, and we propose a combined hydro-tectonic model as the likely formation mechanism of artesian-fault spring mounds. During their evolution from the embryonic (early) to the islet (“island”) stages, spring mounds are also shaped by eolian accumulations and induration processes. Similarly, spring mounds have been suggested to be relatively common in certain provinces on the Martian surface, but their mode of formation is still a matter of debate. We propose that the tectonic, hydraulic, and combined hydro-tectonic models describing the spring mounds at MCSH could be relevant as Martian analogs because: (i) the Martian subsurface may be over pressured, potentially expelling mineral-enriched waters as spring mounds on the surface; (ii) the Martian subsurface may be fractured, causing alignment of the spring mounds in preferential orientations; and (iii) indurated eolian sedimentation and erosional remnants are common features on Mars. The spring mounds further bear diagnostic mineralogic and magnetic properties, in comparison with their immediate surroundings. Consequently, remote sensing techniques can be very useful to identify similar spring mounds on Mars. The mechanisms (tectonic and/or hydraulic) of formation and evolution of spring mounds at the MCSH system are suitable for the proliferation and protection of life respectively. Similarly, life or its resulting biomarkers on Mars may have been protected or preserved under the spring mounds.
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Crown DA, Greeley R. Volcanic geology of Hadriaca Patera and the eastern Hellas region of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/92je02804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Tanaka KL, Golombek MP, Banerdt WB. Reconciliation of stress and structural histories of the Tharsis region of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/91je01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Clifford SM, Lasue J, Heggy E, Boisson J, McGovern P, Max MD. Depth of the Martian cryosphere: Revised estimates and implications for the existence and detection of subpermafrost groundwater. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Mangold N, Ansan V, Masson P, Quantin C, Neukum G. Geomorphic study of fluvial landforms on the northern Valles Marineris plateau, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Parmentier EM, Zuber MT. Early evolution of Mars with mantle compositional stratification or hydrothermal crustal cooling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hanna JC. Hydrological modeling of the Martian crust with application to the pressurization of aquifers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2004je002330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Schulze-Makuch D, Irwin LN, Lipps JH, LeMone D, Dohm JM, Fairén AG. Scenarios for the evolution of life on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Russell PS. Elysium-Utopia flows as mega-lahars: A model of dike intrusion, cryosphere cracking, and water-sediment release. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1029/2002je001995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tanaka KL. Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1029/2002je001908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Parnell J, Mazzini A, Honghan C. Fluid inclusion studies of chemosynthetic carbonates: strategy for seeking life on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2002; 2:43-57. [PMID: 12449854 DOI: 10.1089/153110702753621330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fluid inclusions in minerals hold the potential to provide important data on the chemistry of the ambient fluids during mineral precipitation. Especially interesting to astrobiologists are inclusions in low-temperature minerals that may have been precipitated in the presence of microorganisms. We demonstrate that it is possible to obtain data from inclusions in chemosynthetic carbonates that precipitated by the oxidation of organic carbon around methane-bearing seepages. Chemosynthetic carbonates have been identified as a target rock for astrobiological exploration. Other surficial rock types identified as targets for astrobiological exploration include hydrothermal deposits, speleothems, stromatolites, tufas, and evaporites, each of which can contain fluid inclusions. Fracture systems below impact craters would also contain precipitates of minerals with fluid inclusions. As fluid inclusions are sealed microchambers, they preserve fluids in regions where water is now absent, such as regions of the martian surface. Although most inclusions are < 5 microns, the possibility to obtain data from the fluids, including biosignatures and physical remains of life, underscores the advantages of technological advances in the study of fluid inclusions. The crushing of bulk samples could release inclusion waters for analysis, which could be undertaken in situ on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Parnell
- Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology, University of Aberdeen King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, U.K.
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Dohm JM, Ferris JC, Baker VR, Anderson RC, Hare TM, Strom RG, Barlow NG, Tanaka KL, Klemaszewski JE, Scott DH. Ancient drainage basin of the Tharsis region, Mars: Potential source for outflow channel systems and putative oceans or paleolakes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1029/2000je001468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Dohm JM, Anderson RC, Baker VR, Ferris JC, Rudd LP, Hare TM, Rice JW, Casavant RR, Strom RG, Zimbelman JR, Scott DH. Latent outflow activity for western Tharsis, Mars: Significant flood record exposed. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1029/2000je001352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ivanov MA, Head JW. Chryse Planitia, Mars: Topographic configuration, outflow channel continuity and sequence, and tests for hypothesized ancient bodies of water using Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1029/2000je001257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Schultz RA. Localization of bedding plane slip and backthrust faults above blind thrust faults: Keys to wrinkle ridge structure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1029/1999je001212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Cloutis EA, Bell JF. Diaspores and related hydroxides: Spectral-compositional properties and implications for Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1029/1999je001188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Nelson DM, Greeley R. Geology of Xanthe Terra outflow channels and the Mars Pathfinder landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1029/98je01900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Chapman MG, Kargel JS. Observations at the Mars Pathfinder site: Do they provide “unequivocal” evidence of catastrophic flooding? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1029/98je02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Tanaka KL, Dohm JM, Lias JH, Hare TM. Erosional valleys in the Thaumasia region of Mars: Hydrothermal and seismic origins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998. [DOI: 10.1029/98je01599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Gulick VC. Magmatic intrusions and a hydrothermal origin for fluvial valleys on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998. [DOI: 10.1029/98je01321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tanaka KL. Sedimentary history and mass flow structures of Chryse and Acidalia Planitiae, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1029/96je02862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tanaka KL, Leonard GJ. Geology and landscape evolution of the Hellas region of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1029/94je02804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Carr MH. The Martian drainage system and the origin of valley networks and fretted channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1029/95je00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Schultz RA. Brittle strength of basaltic rock masses with applications to Venus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1029/93je00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Clifford SM. A model for the hydrologic and climatic behavior of water on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1029/93je00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 555] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Grant JA, Schultz PH. Degradation of selected terrestrial and Martian impact craters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1029/93je00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Zimbelman JR, Craddock RA, Greeley R, Kuzmin RO. Volatile history of Mangala Valles, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1992. [DOI: 10.1029/92je02054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zuber MT, Aist LL. The shallow structure of the Martian lithosphere in the vicinity of the ridged plains. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1029/jb095ib09p14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tanaka KL, Chapman MG. The relation of catastrophic flooding of Mangala Valles, Mars, to faulting of Memnonia Fossae and Tharsis Volcanism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1029/jb095ib09p14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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