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A Study of the Record of Ancient Sedimentary Rocks on Mars Using MER, HiRISE and CRISM Images

Citation

Metz, Joannah Marie (2010) A Study of the Record of Ancient Sedimentary Rocks on Mars Using MER, HiRISE and CRISM Images. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/8ZCD-SK38. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04102010-113856474

Abstract

Many processes that operate on a planetary surface have the potential to create sedimentary deposits which when preserved as rocks can provide clues that allow past environmental conditions to be reconstructed. This work combines several studies using data from the Mars Exploration Rover and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft to examine the structure and sedimentology of the sedimentary rock record of Mars. The first study supports the dune-interdune model proposed for the formation of the deposits at the Opportunity landing site in Meridiani Planum and provides evidence that liquid water was involved to a greater extent in the formation of outcrops in Erebus crater. The next study identifies two depositional fan complexes on the floor of southwestern Melas Chasma and suggests that they may be sublacustrine in origin, which suggests the former presence of a significant body of water stable for at least 100 to 10,000 years. Furthermore, the basin containing the fans may be a complete source-to-sink system. The third study examines the geomorphic channel patterns present on analogue terrestrial submarine fans and deltas. The last study characterizes the extent and styles of deformation of sedimentary rocks in Valles Marineris and finds that subaerial or subaqueous gravitational slumping or sliding and soft-sediment deformation are potential mechanisms that may have caused the deformation.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Mars, geology, sedimentology, submarine fan, deformation
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Planetary Sciences
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Grotzinger, John P.
Thesis Committee:
  • Aharonson, Oded (chair)
  • Stock, Joann M.
  • Lamb, Michael P.
  • Milliken, Ralph E.
  • Grotzinger, John P.
Defense Date:30 March 2010
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04102010-113856474
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04102010-113856474
DOI:10.7907/8ZCD-SK38
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5714
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Joannah Metz
Deposited On:07 May 2010 21:55
Last Modified:12 Nov 2021 20:53

Thesis Files

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PDF (Metz Thesis) - Final Version
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PDF (Ch 1 Introduction) - Final Version
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PDF (Ch 2 Erebus Crater) - Final Version
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PDF (Ch 3 Melas Fans) - Final Version
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PDF (Ch 4 Terrestrial Fans) - Final Version
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PDF (Ch 5 Deformation VM) - Final Version
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