Geology of Aeolis Dorsa alluvial sedimentary basin, Mars. Issue 2 (13th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Pietro, Ilaria; Ori, Gian Gabriele; Pondrelli, Monica; Salese, Francesco
• Is Part Of: Journal of maps. Volume 14:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2018-11-13
• Subjects: Aeolis Dorsa -- Zephyria Planum -- alluvial deposits -- fluvial deposits -- Gale Crater -- Mars; Maps -- Periodicals; Cartography -- Periodicals; 912.05
• DOI: 10.1080/17445647.2018.1454350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-5647

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aeolis Dorsa is a topographic depression, ∼800 km east of Gale Crater, located along the Mars' dichotomy boundary. This area hosts a set of fluvial sedimentary rocks displaying an exceptional record of depositional environments and fluvial channels patterns that suggest the presence of a large amount of surface and/or subsurface water. We interpreted the plain as an ancient waterlogged environment, a sedimentary basin passing into distal depositional environments. Regional mapping of the area revealed the presence of a large-scale fluvial system that points to a long-term and extensive hydrological cycle. A significant wet period with changing environmental conditions in Hesperian/Amazonian occurred in the study area diverging from the present-day climate. Our map (Main Map ) contributes to the understanding of past climatic conditions on Mars. Moreover, it provides an interesting perspective for future missions looking for evidence of present-day and/or past extraterrestrial organisms as the life as we know it needs liquid water.