Noachis Terra: Geological Interpretation

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Noachis Terra Geological Interpretation

• Ravyn Vialpando, Annalisa Hansen, John Crooke,
  and Chris Worley
• Kickapoo High School, Springfield, Missouri
• January 16th, 2013

We choose to go to the Poo not because it is
easy. but because it is hard
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Significance of Research

• The features found indicate ancient impact, and
  faulting processes along with other more recent
  processes that create a large history of the area
  and Mars.

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Area of Study Noachis Terra
Coordinates 30 West to 30 East-20 South to -60
South
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Methodology

• Our approach was to provide morphological and
  spectroscopic examination NoachisTerra and the
  formations to show past geological processes.
• Analyzed 80 high resolution images using CRISM,
  HiRISE, THEMIS, and MOC to Characterize Noachis
  Terra and various types of geological processes
• Priority was to determine the geologic processes
  that shape the region to optimize understanding
  of geological history and brief minerology of
  this region.

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Definitions

• Horst and Graben- refers to regions that lie
  between normal faults and are either above or
  lower than the area
• Aeolian- processes of wind and more
  specifically, to the winds' ability to shape

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Crater Analysis Relative Dating
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Noachis Terra Aeolian Processes
Dust Devils
CRISM ID 0000926A Vnir_rgb image
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Aeolian Process Spectral Analysis
CRISM0000962A Ir_Maf Olivine and Iron
Phyllosillicates
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Aeolian Processes Barchan and Longitudinal Dune
Formations
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Noachis Terra Aeolian Processes
CRISM ID00009A09 Vnir_rgb Image Crater
Hellespontus
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Noachis Terra Aeolian Processes
CRISM ID 00009C3A Vnir_rgb Image
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Noachis Terra Horst and Grabens
A
B
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Horst and Grabens
CRISM ID00007D19 Ir_ira
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Horst and Grabens
MOC ID1801931
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Noachis Terra Relative Dating
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Conclusion

• High resolution imaging from CRISM showed impact
  cratering to be the most predominate process
  found in this region.
• High resolution images from HiRISE allowed
  detailed analysis of Aeolian features which
  indicate the wind direction .
• High resolution imaging from MOC and CRISM show
  indications pit and crater chains are results of
  thermo karst movement away from the area due to
  faulting and jointing.
• High resolution images from CRISM allowed a
  geologic time scale based on relative dating.

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References

• Ferrill, D.A., Wyrick, D.Y., Morris, A.P., Sims,
  D.W., Franklin, N.M (2004). Dilational fault
  slip and pit chain formation on Mars. GSA Today
  V. 14 no. 10. Retrieved December 12, 2012 from
  GSA Today database.
• Plumer, C.C, Carlson, D.H., McGeary, D. (
  2007). Physical Geology Eleventh Edition. New
  York, NY McGraw Hill.
• Kienenberger, R. (2011). Distribution of
  Windblown Sediment in Small Craters on Mars.
  Arizona State University.