Igneous dikes on Mars revealed by Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter topography
- 1Geomechanics–Rock Fracture Group, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
Abstract
The origin of Martian grabens has remained controversial for decades, given the nonuniqueness of graben morphology and conflicting interpretations of dike-induced or faulting-based formation processes. We use measurements from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter to identify the characteristic topographic signature at the surface of an igneous dike beneath a Martian graben. Our results suggest that this subtle but diagnostic signature can be used to test competing interpretations of the formation of grabens and associated fissures and collapse depressions.
Footnotes
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↵*Present address: Shell International Exploration and Production, Inc., Bellaire Technology Center, P.O. Box 481, Houston, Texas 77001, USA
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- Accepted May 21, 2004.
- Received February 12, 2004.
- Revision received May 20, 2004.
- Geological Society of America
