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Rapid Acquisition of 3D Images Using High-resolution Episcopic Microscopy
Published on: November 21, 2016
Recent and episodic volcanic and glacial activity on Mars revealed by the High Resolution Stereo Camera
G Neukum1, R Jaumann, H Hoffmann
1Institut fuer Geologische Wissenschaften, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Malteserstrasse 74-100, Bldg D, 12249 Berlin, Germany. gneukum@zedat.fu-berlin.de
Nature
|December 24, 2004
Summary
Mars volcanoes show recent activity, with some potentially still active today. Evidence suggests volcanic resurfacing and glacial activity occurred as recently as two million years ago.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Volcanology
- Glaciology
Background:
- The High Resolution Stereo Camera Experiment (HRSC) on the European Space Agency's Mars Express Mission provides high-resolution, 3D imagery of Mars.
- Previous studies have offered insights into Martian geological evolution, but detailed time-stratigraphic analysis of volcanic and glacial features was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the recent geological activity and evolution of major Martian volcanoes.
- To analyze time-stratigraphic relationships between volcanic and glacial structures on Mars.
- To assess the potential for ongoing volcanic activity and the presence of water ice on Martian volcanoes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution (10-20 m/pixel) color and 3D data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera Experiment.
- Analyzed morphological evidence of volcanic calderas and glacial deposits on five major Martian volcanoes.
- Dated geological events based on stratigraphic relationships and estimated ages.
Main Results:
- Calderas on five major Martian volcanoes exhibit repeated activation and resurfacing within the last 20% of Martian history, with some activity as recent as two million years ago.
- Glacial deposits at the base of Olympus Mons show evidence of repeated activity up to approximately four million years ago.
- Morphological evidence indicates snow and ice deposition at elevations above 7,000 meters on Olympus Mons, leading to glacial episodes. Water ice may still be present at high altitudes, protected by dust.
Conclusions:
- Martian volcanoes demonstrate potentially ongoing activity, challenging previous assumptions about their dormancy.
- Recent glacial activity on Mars, particularly on Olympus Mons, highlights the dynamic climatic and geological processes that have occurred relatively recently.
- The findings suggest that conditions favorable for preserving water ice may still exist on high-altitude Martian volcanic constructs.
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