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Evidence of Large Scale Tectonic Processes on the Tharsis Rise, Mars

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The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Volume 86 Issue 2 Article 1 10-13-2014 Evidence of Large Scale Tectonic Processes on the Tharsis Rise, Mars Genevieve Kidman Southern Utah University, [email protected] John S. MacLean Southern Utah University, [email protected] David Maxwell Southern Utah University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/compass Part of the Earth Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Kidman, Genevieve; MacLean, John S.; and Maxwell, David (2014) "Evidence of Large Scale Tectonic Processes on the Tharsis Rise, Mars," The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon: Vol. 86: Iss. 2, Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/compass/vol86/iss2/1 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@CSB/SJU. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@CSB/SJU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EVIDENCE OF LARGE SCALE TECTONIC PROCESSES ON THE THARSIS RISE, MARS Genevieve Kidman1, John S. MacLean2, and David Maxwell3 Department of Physical Science Southern Utah University 351 West University Boulevard Cedar City, UT 84720 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ABSTRACT Past observations of Mars have led scientists to believe that tectonic kinematics stopped early in its planetary development. Recent exploration of Mars has led to new theories that support an active tectonic regime on the Tharsis rise. With the advancement of new satellite imagery and technologies such as Thermal Emission Imaging System, High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment satellite imagery, the Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter, and interactive software such as J-Mars and Esri GIS, we have identified additional large-scale surface features in the Tharsis Rise and surrounding areas. Large-scale Martian lineations, folds, and conjugate joints can be compared to similar structures on Earth to interpret potential plate boundaries. For example, a northeast-trending set of lineations with significant left-lateral strike-slip displacement and conjugate jointing located to the northeast of the Tharsis Rise could accommodate transform motion between two plates. Our observations allow the designation of multiple potential plate margins in the region. We propose a tectonic model showing relative motions along plate boundaries in a potentially active multiple-plate system on Mars. Key Words: astrogeology, astro-tectonics, thermal emission imaging systems, Esri GIS software, J- Mars software, planetary geology, planetary tectonics INTRODUCTION unmanned rovers trekking across the surface. During the past twenty years, The close similarity between geological exploration of the Martian surface has grown by structures on Earth and Mars has enabled leaps and bounds. Mars does not disappoint in scientists to apply known geological scientific its promise for breathtaking scientific theory to uncover the past history of Mars. With breakthroughs. Two primary research topics on all the recent technological advances at our Mars, life and water, have been frontrunners in fingertips, another basic geological question the Martian scientific community. Sedimentary about Mars can be asked; is there currently a markers of lakes, rivers, and streambeds show form of plate tectonics on Mars? that the Martian paleoenvironment was quite The Tharsis rise, an area on the western different than today. Although conclusive hemisphere of Mars that is smaller than about evidence has not been found yet, the search for one third of the planet, was the focus of this life is ongoing through surface missions with research (fig. 1). The rise boasts some of the The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, v. 86, no. 2, 2014 Page 36 largest volcanoes in the solar system including THEMIS camera is capable of taking visual Olympus Mons, as well as features such as images at 59 feet or 18 meters per pixel. Mars Valles Marineris (fig. 2). The technology used to Odyssey was later followed by the Mars analyze the surface of the Tharsis rise in this Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005 with study includes the following satellite missions. the High Resolution Imaging Science In 1996 The Jet Propulsion Laboratory launched Experiment (HiRISE) satellite imagery, which is the Mars Global Surveyor with scientific capable of taking images down to a 1 meter instruments that included the Mars Orbital Laser scale (NASA). Using J-Mars version 3.0, a Java Altimeter, as well as a magnetometer and Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote electron reflectometer. Mars Global Surveyor Sensing GIS program specifically developed for allowed digital elevation maps to be taken of the the study of Mars through Arizona State surface as well as a measurement of the University's Mars Space Flight Facility, images magnetic field characteristics on Mars. In 2001 of Mars from THEMIS, and HiRISE, has made Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) it possible to view detailed satellite imagery. was carried by the 2001 Mars Odyssey satellite MOLA images were also used as background with one of its missions to investigate detailed base maps for mapping on Esri ArcMap Version geological formations on the surface. The 10.2. Figure 1. MOLA map of the surface of Mars (NASA, Mars global data set). The Tharsis rise is located in the western half and has prominent features such as volcanoes, mountain ranges, and deep canyons. Tharsis rise is the predominantly red areas in the western hemisphere. The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, v. 86, no. 2, 2014 Page 37 Figure 2. Tharsis Rise regional map. Background imagery from NASA. Through these technologies and the work of and Phillips, 2005), likely contributed to other scientists, there have been recent the creation of the Tharsis Rise. discoveries on Mars that have shed light on the Tectonic episodic slab rollback (Yin, possibility of ancient and active Martian 2012a), including the necessary tectonics. These discoveries include the components of a core, mantel, and crust, following: would facilitate the heat needed for The Mars Global Surveyor found a hotspot mechanics and tectonism. remnant crustal magnetic field on Mars The linear northeast trend of the Tharsis (Stanley, et al., 2008) that may indicate Montes, Arasia Mons, Pavonis Mons, a driving mechanism for ancient plate and Ascraeus Mons, as well as tectonics. numerous grabens, suggest the One or more large hotspots involving likelihood of a spreading center on the volcanic construction on the lithosphere Tharsis Rise (Zimbelman and Edgett, (Neukum, et al., 2004) (Kiefer and Li 1992) (Comer, et al., 1985) (Borgia and 2007 and 2009), possibly paired with the Murray, 2010). creation of the Hellas Basin (Johnson Transtensional, left lateral strike-slip movement with 150 kilometers of The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, v. 86, no. 2, 2014 Page 38 displacement shows modern tectonism magnetized rocks showed evidence that at one in Valles Marineris (Yin, 2012a). time there was a strong global magnetic field Evidence of apparently recent faulting is created by an ancient Martian core (Stanley, et exposed, implying recent and possibly al., 2008). While this does not explain a ongoing tectonic processes (Andrews- mechanism for modern plate tectonics on Mars Hanna, et al., 2008) (Petrowsky, et al., today, it does give a mechanism for a previously 2009) (Allemand, et al., 2006) hot interior that could continue to affect (Kronberg and Hauber, 2009) (Ferrill, et boundaries seen today. al., 2011). Linear features called “wrinkle ridges” Creation of the Tharsis Rise interpreted as thrust faults are aligned The Tharsis Rise may have begun to perpendicular to Tharsis Rise form by the Nochian, the earliest epoch on Mars, (Golombek ,1990). at least by 3500 Ma (Johnson and Phillips, 2005) The Tharsis Rise volcanoes show (Yin, 2012b). Recently a new model for the evidence of activity in the past million creation of the Tharsis Rise has been proposed years. In geologic time, it is possible for involving the start of early planetary tectonic these dormant volcanoes to still be kinematics (Yin, 2012b). Subduction of a plate active (Neukum, et al., 2004). to the northwest of the Tharsis rise could have Relative age dating and remote sensing been triggered by a large asteroid impact, such techniques of different units on the as the Argyre impactor, during the heavy Tharsis Rise allow comparison of bombardment period. This impact would have relative movements (Tanaka and Scott, pushed the Tharsis rise region up and over its 1987). neighboring plate to the northwest. With This study focused on three questions subduction started, a slab rollback model would stemming from the discoveries listed above to be able to create the Tharsis rise that is seen explore the possibility of current plate tectonics today. Moving from southeast to northwest, this on Mars. First, are there Earth analogs to rollback model includes evidence such as Martian surface features that could be used to differences in structural trends, morphologies, identify tectonic processes? Second, is it spacing of volcanoes, as well as a lack of crustal possible to use Martian surface features to magnetization and different faulting and crustal identify types of plate boundaries on Mars? styles bounding Olympus Mons (Yin, 2012b). Third, it is possible
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