A Structural Analysis of Smooth-Topped Chaotic Terrains in Southern Circum-Chryse, Mars

Abstract

The presence of large outflow channels on Mars shows the importance of water in shaping the surface of the planet over geologic time. Chaotic terrain has been identified as the source region for flood waters responsible for carving out many of these channels. There are still many unanswered questions regarding chaotic terrains on Mars. Using the most up to date CTX, HRSC, and MOLA coverage, DEM and TIN models were used to investigate examples of smooth-topped chaotic terrains which include Hydraotes Chaos, a crater pair in Hydraspis Chaos, Baetis Chaos, and Candor Chaos, all south of Chryse Planitia. The findings of this study suggest that the collapse of chaotic terrains is not regionally controlled. This study also suggests that the largest chaotic terrains do not require external heat sources to form. Finally, there is evidence that chaotic terrain forming events have occurred from the Middle Noachian to the Late Hesperian/Early Amazonian.