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GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 34, L17201, doi:10.1029/2007GL030709, 2007

THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars

G. E. Cushing

Astrogeology Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA


T. N. Titus

Astrogeology Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA


J. J. Wynne

Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA


P. R. Christensen

Department of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA


Abstract

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.

Keywords: cave; Mars; skylight.

Index Terms: 5464 Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote sensing; 5480 Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Volcanism (6063, 8148, 8450); 5499 Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: General or miscellaneous; 8010 Structural Geology: Fractures and faults; 8429 Volcanology: Lava rheology and morphology.

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Citation: Cushing, G. E., T. N. Titus, J. J. Wynne, and P. R. Christensen (2007), THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L17201, doi:10.1029/2007GL030709.