Sustained fluvial deposition recorded in Mars’ Noachian stratigraphic record

Francesco Salese (), William J. McMahon, Matthew R. Balme, Veronique Ansan, Joel M. Davis and Maarten G. Kleinhans
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Francesco Salese: Utrecht University
William J. McMahon: Utrecht University
Matthew R. Balme: Open University, Walton Hall
Veronique Ansan: LPG Nantes, UMR6112, CNRS-Université de Nantes
Joel M. Davis: Natural History Museum
Maarten G. Kleinhans: Utrecht University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Orbital observation has revealed a rich record of fluvial landforms on Mars, with much of this record dating 3.6–3.0 Ga. Despite widespread geomorphic evidence, few analyses of Mars’ alluvial sedimentary-stratigraphic record exist, with detailed studies of alluvium largely limited to smaller sand-bodies amenable to study in-situ by rovers. These typically metre-scale outcrop dimensions have prevented interpretation of larger scale channel-morphology and long-term basin evolution, vital for understanding the past Martian climate. Here we give an interpretation of a large sedimentary succession at Izola mensa within the NW Hellas Basin rim. The succession comprises channel and barform packages which together demonstrate that river deposition was already well established >3.7 Ga. The deposits mirror terrestrial analogues subject to low-peak discharge variation, implying that river deposition at Izola was subject to sustained, potentially perennial, fluvial flow. Such conditions would require an environment capable of maintaining large volumes of water for extensive time-periods, necessitating a precipitation-driven hydrological cycle.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15622-0

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