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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • Mars
  • slope streaks
  • surface processes

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
  • Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology: Hydrothermal systems and weathering on other planets
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Erosion and weathering
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote sensing

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 34, L21202, 5 PP., 2007
doi:10.1029/2007GL031577

Mass movement within a slope streak on Mars

Cynthia B. Phillips

Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA

Devon M. Burr

Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA

Ross A. Beyer

Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA

Slope streaks on Mars represent a currently active geological process. Various theories for slope streak formation have suggested that slope streaks form by disturbing only a thin surface veneer, or by staining of the surface, preserving pre-existing topography within the streak. Theories also vary as to whether the formation mechanism requires the presence of water or another liquid. We present observations of a slope streak that reveal topographic mounds within the streak. These mounds do not continue outside the streak, and we suggest that they formed with, or immediately after, the slope streak. We use estimates of the total volume of mounds in this particular streak, compared with the estimated excavation volume, to extrapolate to a global sediment transport rate from slope streak formation. If this slope streak is typical, then this calculated rate is greater than estimates of the total volume of material transported by dust storms each year.

Received 6 August 2007; accepted 8 October 2007; published 6 November 2007.

Citation: Phillips, C. B., D. M. Burr, and R. A. Beyer (2007), Mass movement within a slope streak on Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L21202, doi:10.1029/2007GL031577.

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