Geologic map of the western equatorial region of Mars

Abstract

Although the origin and composition of many units are obscure or controversial, their interpretations are based on objective descriptions of morphologic characteristics visible on Viking photomosaics and images. LOWLAND TERRAIN MATERIALS Consist of all plains-forming units between the highland-lowland boundary scarp and the north edge of the map area, exclusive of materials of the western volcanic assemblage on the Tharsis swell. Northern plains assemblage Materials deposited in widespread sheets on northern plains. Within each formation, members mapped at places on basis of crater density; these contacts are approximately located. Assemblage postdates highland-lowland boundary scarp (Scott, 1979). ARCADIA FORMATION—Forms low-lying plains in Arcadia, Amazonis, and Acidalia Planitiae. Embays highland margins and partly buries outflow channels of Kasei, Shalbatana, Simud, Tiu, and Ares Valles. Members distinguished on basis of morphology, albedo, and crater density; common boundaries of older members mapped arbitrarily at places. Flows with lobate margins and small hills with summit craters visible in many places. High-resolution pictures show that sources of some flows are small cratered cones. Interpretation: Mostly lava flows and small volcanoes Aa5 Member 5—Relatively small areal extent. Dark, fresh-appearing flows; few superposed impact craters. Type area: lat 47° N., long 30° Aa4 Member 4—In Arcadia Planitia underlies member 5 and has similar appearance; one other occurrence in channel system of Chryse Planitia. Type area: lat 45° N., long 175° Aa3 Member 3—Forms smooth plains west of Olympus Mons aureoles; embays both the aureoles and fractured terra of Acheron Fossae. Flow fronts visible in places. Type area: lat 15° N., long 155° Aa2 Member 2—Underlies members 3, 4, and 5 in Arcadia Planitia. Includes many small (<10-km-diameter) structures resembling volcanoes and cinder cones. Curved concentric ridges visible on surfaces of flows. Type area: lat 45° N., long 155° Aa1 Member l—Widespread in Chryse and Amazonis Planitiae. Mare-type (wrinkle) ridges common. Type area: lat 30° N., long 40° MEDUSAE FOSSAE FORMATION—Consists of extensive, relatively flat sheets, generally smooth to grooved and gently undulating; deposits appear to vary from soft to indurated; albedo moderate. Occurs near equator in western part of map area. Total thickness may exceed 3 km Amu Upper member—Discontinuous but widespread deposits extend from south of Olympus Mons westward across Amazonis Sulci to map boundary. Smooth, flat to rolling, light-colored surfaces; sculptured into ridges and grooves in places (as in Medusae Fossae); broadly curved margins, locally serrated. Type area: lat 0° N., long 160°. Interpretation: Nonwelded ash-flow …