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Onset and migration of spiral troughs on Mars revealed by orbital radar

Author

Listed:
  • Isaac B. Smith

    (University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, Austin, Texas 78758, USA)

  • John W. Holt

    (University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, Austin, Texas 78758, USA)

Abstract

Martian landmarks on the radar The northern polar cap of Mars, containing enough water to cover the entire planet to a depth of several metres, features two major landforms that stand above all others. These are the enormous canyon, Chasma Boreale, and a series of spiral troughs. The processes leading to their formation have remained unclear. Now two papers in this issue present detailed histories of both systems. John Holt and colleagues use penetrating radar imagery from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's radar sounder to show that depositional processes — rather than a catastrophic event — formed the Chasma Boreale. Isaac Smith and John Holt use Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data to rule out erosional cutting of polar ice as the cause of the central troughs, and instead conclude that they too are largely depositional, having migrated polewards and upwards in elevation in the past two million years.

Suggested Citation

  • Isaac B. Smith & John W. Holt, 2010. "Onset and migration of spiral troughs on Mars revealed by orbital radar," Nature, Nature, vol. 465(7297), pages 450-453, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:465:y:2010:i:7297:d:10.1038_nature09049
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09049
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