Geologic map of the Terra Cimmeria-Nepenthes Mensae transitional zone, Mars – 1:1.45Million

Abstract

ABSTRACTA 1:1.45Million geologic map of NW Terra Cimmeria and SE Nepenthes Mensae (-5°31’–5°38’ N, 119°20’–129°55’ E) is presented here, displaying one of the highland-lowland transitional zones of Mars with greatest contrast and diversity. The Terra Cimmeria-Nepenthes Mensae Transitional Zone comprises two complex and poorly studied geologic domains bounded by the dichotomy escarpment. The map produced in this work displays nineteen geologic units and numerous geomorphic features. Detailed mapping, morphologic and morphometric analyses and Poisson model-derived ages have permitted to constrain the stratigraphy of this transitional zone and reconstruct more accurately its geological history from the Early Noachian to recent times, suggesting a significant period of fluvial activity within the Early Amazonian. The map provides insight into the processes involved in the origin and development of this transitional zone and offers a reference geologic framework for future studies in the region.

Keywords

• Planetary mapping
• Poisson statistics
• dichotomy boundary
• paleolakes
• deltas
• landslides