Abstract
THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars
Astrogeology Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Astrogeology Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Department of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
Seven possible skylight entrances into Martian caves were observed on and around the flanks of Arsia Mons by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Distinct from impact craters, collapse pits or any other surface feature on Mars, these candidates appear to be deep dark holes at visible wavelengths while infrared observations show their thermal behaviors to be consistent with subsurface materials. Diameters range from 100 m to 225 m, and derived minimum depths range between 68 m and 130 m. Most candidates seem directly related to pit-craters, and may have formed in a similar manner with overhanging ceilings that remain intact.
Received 16 May 2007; accepted 14 August 2007; published 15 September 2007.
Citation: (2007), THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L17201, doi:10.1029/2007GL030709.
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