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Comment on "Athabasca Valles, Mars: a lava-draped channel system"
1Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK. D.P.Page@open.ac.uk
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 21, 2008
Summary
The Athabasca Valles channel system on Mars shows features that are not fluid lavas. These geological features are much younger than previously suggested, dating back millions of years.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- The Athabasca Valles channel system on Mars is a significant geological feature.
- Previous interpretations suggested deposits were formed by thin, fluid lavas.
Discussion:
- Jaeger et al. presented images of Athabasca Valles, interpreting deposits as fluid lavas.
- This interpretation is challenged by structural relationships with young impact craters.
- The observed features are secondary and postdate the Martian surface by millions of years.
Key Insights:
- Geological features in Athabasca Valles are secondary deposits, not primary fluid lavas.
- The age of these deposits is significantly younger than previously estimated.
- Impact crater analysis provides crucial evidence for re-dating Martian geological events.
Outlook:
- Further high-resolution imaging and analysis are needed to confirm the origin and age of Athabasca Valles deposits.
- This finding necessitates a re-evaluation of Martian geological history and volcanic processes.
- Comparative studies with other Martian channel systems could reveal broader implications for planetary evolution.
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