Potential glacial landforms in Nilosyrtis Mensae, Mars - A qualitative geomorphological mapping and interpretation of an inpact crater

Abstract

The surface of Mars is composed of a variety of geological formations, including mountains, volcanos, canyons, and plains. Studies of regions at mid-latitudes of the northern dichotomy boundary of Mars have demonstrated the presence of landforms that are morphologically analogous to glacial and periglacial landforms on Earth. Due to the cold and arid climate on the planet, glaciers on Mars are generally viewed as cold-based, rather than warm-based. Recent studies suggest, on the other hand, that warm-based glaciers may have existed locally for limited periods of time. In this study a geomorphological map of an impact crater in an area called Nilosyrtis Mensae is produced. The aim of the thesis is to investigate which potentially glacial landforms occur in the study area, and investigate the possibility that a warm-based glacier has been present in the study area. To answer these questions, CTX- and HiRISE-images have been used to identify and map different landforms. Out of twelve identified landforms, several are interpreted to have a glacial or periglacial origin, including glacier-like formations (GLF), concentric crater fills (CCF) and thermal contraction polygons. In addition, observations of eroded crater walls and the degradation of a crater rim imply basal sliding and glacial abrasion may have occurred in the study area, which in turn suggests that a warm-based glacier may have existed. Further research is suggested for the understanding of the formation of a warmbased glacier in the study area since this is still unclear.