A cold hydrological system in Gale crater, Mars

Fairen, Alberto G. and Stokes, Chris R. and Davies, Neil S. and Schulze-Makuch, Dirk and Rodriguez, J. Alexis P. and Davila, Alfonso F. and Uceda, Esther R. and Dohm, James M. and Baker, Victor R. and Clifford, Stephen M. and McKay, Christopher P. and Squyres, Steven W. (2014) A cold hydrological system in Gale crater, Mars. Planetary and Space Science, 93-94. pp. 101-118. ISSN 0032-0633 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2014.03.002

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Abstract

Gale crater is a ~154-km-diameter impact crater formed during the Late Noachian/Early Hesperian at the dichotomy boundary on Mars. Here we describe potential evidence for ancient glacial, periglacial and fluvial (including glacio-fluvial) activity within Gale crater, and the former presence of ground ice and lakes. Our interpretations are derived from morphological observations using high-resolution datasets, particularly HiRISE and HRSC. We highlight a potential ancient lobate rock–glacier complex in parts of the northern central mound, with further suggestions of glacial activity in the large valley systems towards the southeast central mound. Wide expanses of ancient ground ice may be indicated by evidence for very cohesive ancient river banks and for the polygonal patterned ground common on the crater floor west of the central mound. We extend the interpretation to fluvial and lacustrine activity to the west of the central mound, as recorded by a series of interconnected canyons, channels and a possible lake basin. The emerging picture from our regional landscape analyses is the hypothesis that rock glaciers may have formerly occupied the central mound. The glaciers would have provided the liquid water required for carving the canyons and channels. Associated glaciofluvial activity could have led to liquid water running over ground ice-rich areas on the basin floor, with resultant formation of partially and/or totally ice-covered lakes in parts of the western crater floor. All this hydrologic activity is Hesperian or younger. Following this, we envisage a time of drying, with the generation of polygonal patterned ground and dune development subsequent to the disappearance of the surface liquid and frozen water.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2014AREP; IA67;
Subjects:	02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Divisions:	02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Journal or Publication Title:	Planetary and Space Science
Volume:	93-94
Page Range:	pp. 101-118
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2014.03.002
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	05 May 2014 15:39
Last Modified:	13 Jul 2014 17:11
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/3040

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