Geological Characteristics and Targets of High Scientific Interest in the Zhurong Landing Region on Mars. Issue 20 (26th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Jiannan; Xiao, Zijun; Huang, Jun; Head, James W.; Wang, Jiang; Shi, Yutong; Wu, Bo; Wang, Le
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 48:Issue 20(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-26
• Subjects: Mars -- China -- Tianwen‐1 -- Zhurong -- Utopia Planitia; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1029/2021GL094903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: We used imaging, laser altimeter and thermal infrared data to map a 0.5 by 0.5° area containing the landing site of the Zhurong rover of the Tianwen‐1 mission. We analyzed the regional topography and thermophysical characteristics, and identified and characterized cones, impact craters, polygonal troughs, ridges and aeolian bedforms. An absolute model age of 757 ± 66 Ma was obtained for the major unit dominating the study area, younger than previous geological mapping results. We propose several targets of high scientific interest for Zhurong and a stratigraphic model composed of five layers (from bottom to top: Noachian basement, Early Hesperian volcanic ridged plains, Vastitas Borealis Formation materials, rocky materials and loose materials). The geomorphic features identified, the proposed stratigraphy and the regional geological evolution scenario set the stage for the Zhurong rover to continue to carry out its exploration of Mars. Plain Language Summary: Tianwen‐1 is China's first independent Mars mission. It consists of an orbiter and a lander and a rover (Zhurong). The Zhurong rover successfully touched down on the surface of Mars on May 15, 2021. The landing site lies in southern Utopia Planitia, in the northern lowlands of Mars. We identified various geomorphologic features within an area of 0.5 by 0.5° centered around the landing site of the Zhurong rover using image, elevation and temperature remote sensing data. We propose a history and geological evolution of the region to set the stage for the Zhurong rover exploration and analysis. Key Points: We conducted detailed geological mapping of the Zhurong landing region on Mars High scientific interest targets for Zhurong rover including cones, pitted‐wall craters, aeolian bedforms, polygons, and ridges are proposed A middle Amazonian surface age is suggested and a five‐layer stratigraphic model of the Zhurong landing region is proposed