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Glacier-like forms on Mars

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Stephen Brough

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

More than 1300 glacier-like forms (GLFs) are located in Mars’ mid-latitudes. These GLFs are predominantly composed of ice–dust mixtures and are visually similar to terrestrial valley glaciers, showing signs of downhill viscous deformation and an expanded former extent. However, several fundamental aspects of their behavior are virtually unknown, including temporal and spatial variations in mass balance, ice motion, landscape erosion and deposition, and hydrology. Here, we investigate the physical glaciology of martian GLFs. We use satellite images of specific examples and case studies to build on existing knowledge relating to (i) GLF current and former extent, exemplified via a GLF located in Phlegra Montes; (ii) indicators of GLF motion, focusing on the presence of surface crevasses on several GLFs; (iii) processes of GLF debris transfer, focusing on mapping and interpreting boulder trains on one GLF located in Protonilus Mensae, the analysis of which suggests a best-estimate mean GLF flow speed of 7.5 mm a⁻¹ ; and (iv) GLF hydrology, focusing on supra-GLF gulley networks. On the basis of this information, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the glaciology of martian GLFs and identify future research avenues.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hubbard B, Souness C, Brough S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: The Cryosphere

Year: 2014

Volume: 8

Pages: 2047-2061

Online publication date: 05/11/2014

Acceptance date: 26/09/2014

Date deposited: 23/11/2017

ISSN (print): 1994-0416

ISSN (electronic): 1994-0424

Publisher: EGU

URL: https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-2047-2014

DOI: 10.5194/tc-8-2047-2014

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