Examining Mars, near and far: using rover and orbiter data to constrain ancient histories of Mars

Weintraub, Aaron R (2022) Examining Mars, near and far: using rover and orbiter data to constrain ancient histories of Mars. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

	Text Weintraub_2022_examining_mars_near_far_using_rover_orbiter_data_constr.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (59MB) | Request a copy
	Spreadsheet Weintraub_2022_Supplmental_Table_1.xlsx - Supplemental Material Download (126kB)

Abstract

Sedimentary structures are incredibly useful in planetary studies as their characteristics are diagnostic of the environmental conditions experienced during their formation. The effects of water and climate on a surface are intricately recorded in their morphology, composition, and thermophysical character. Observations from orbiting spacecraft, landers, and rovers are critical in elucidating how we view planetary surfaces beyond our own. This dissertation utilizes passive remote sensing techniques, computational modeling, and geologic analyses to determine the evolution of surfaces and surface features on Mars. We used a wide variety of instruments and techniques to successfully constrain surface conditions and environments on ancient Mars. We accomplished this by first characterizing the thermophysical and compositional properties of a class of ancient, lithified sedimentary structures – or paleobedforms – found across Mars. We determined paleobedforms on Mars likely formed in an environment with low water-rock ratio by applying cement volume modeling to each paleobedform site. During this study we generated a novel technique to determine the thermophysical heterogeneity of planetary surfaces. We built on this study by conducting a ground truth experiment in which we applied the novel technique to rover observations at the Mars Science Laboratory landing site in Gale crater. During this ground truth experiment we characterized the thermophysical properties of a feature known as the Greenheugh pediment, the surface of which is a candidate paleobedform field. This characterization sheds light on the environmental conditions during a potentially life-sustaining period on Mars. Finally, we continue to build on our work by using all previously established remote sensing and computational techniques to determine the influence of regional geology on the fluvial history of a unique valley network on Mars called Licus Vallis. This region was investigated through geologic mapping, incorporating both thermal and visible datasets, to determine why Licus Vallis has uniquely preserved fluvial terraces. We discovered prolonged overland flow was required to explain the geomorphology and thermophysical properties of Licus Vallis, indicating more water in the region than previously suggested.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	cementation; fluvial geomorphology; paleobedforms; sedimentology; thermal inertia; thermophysics; Mars;
Subjects:	Q Science > QB Astronomy
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Date Deposited:	14 Jun 2023 17:08
Last Modified:	14 Jun 2023 17:08
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6025

Actions (login required)

IR Staff Record View

Downloads