1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
[HTT14-P05] Distribution of lobate landforms in the southern hemisphere of Mars
Keywords:Mars, Periglacial landform, Solifluction lobe, freeze–thaw activity, GIS
Tongue-shaped landforms called small-scale lobes are found on Mars. These are similar landforms on Earth called solifluction lobes, formed by slow mass movements associated with the freezing and thawing of soil water. Small-scale lobes on Mars are thought to have developed a few million years ago, and their similarity to Earth's solifluction lobes suggests that water was likely involved in their formation. So far, Martian small-scale lobes have been found at mid- and high-latitudes in both hemispheres, suggesting that their existence is latitude-dependent. Studies on these lobes are mostly limited to those in the northern hemisphere.
Investigating the distribution and formation processes of small-scale lobes, the composition of the liquid that would have contributed to their formation, and the source of the liquid is essential for understanding the past environment and habitability of Mars. Furthermore, by examining them as indicators of water and ice distribution, they could support resource exploration for future manned Mars exploration. The study aims to clarify the distribution of small lobes between 30°S and 80°S, including areas that have not been surveyed, and to consider the factors controlling their distribution.
This study utilizes images acquired by the camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter called High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). Images taken by HiRISE have a resolution of 25 cm/pix. Images to be analyzed were selected using Mars Orbital Data Explorer (ODE), which covers the area for which a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) has been created and is located at latitudes between 30°S and 80°S. The obtained images were used to observe surface features using HiView, an application specialized for exploring HiRISE images. Geographic Information Systems(GIS) software was used to create and analyze the distribution maps.
As a result, small-scale lobes were found at lower latitudes than indicated by previous studies. This presentation reports the distribution and characteristics of the small lobes in the southern hemisphere of Mars, including the newly found ones.
Investigating the distribution and formation processes of small-scale lobes, the composition of the liquid that would have contributed to their formation, and the source of the liquid is essential for understanding the past environment and habitability of Mars. Furthermore, by examining them as indicators of water and ice distribution, they could support resource exploration for future manned Mars exploration. The study aims to clarify the distribution of small lobes between 30°S and 80°S, including areas that have not been surveyed, and to consider the factors controlling their distribution.
This study utilizes images acquired by the camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter called High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). Images taken by HiRISE have a resolution of 25 cm/pix. Images to be analyzed were selected using Mars Orbital Data Explorer (ODE), which covers the area for which a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) has been created and is located at latitudes between 30°S and 80°S. The obtained images were used to observe surface features using HiView, an application specialized for exploring HiRISE images. Geographic Information Systems(GIS) software was used to create and analyze the distribution maps.
As a result, small-scale lobes were found at lower latitudes than indicated by previous studies. This presentation reports the distribution and characteristics of the small lobes in the southern hemisphere of Mars, including the newly found ones.