Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Generalised geological map of Mars [1] Mars as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. The geology of Mars is the scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars. It emphasizes the composition, structure, history, and physical processes that shape the planet. It is analogous to the field of terrestrial geology.
Many places on Mars show rocks arranged in layers. Rock can form layers in a variety of ways. Volcanoes, wind, or water can produce layers. [8] A detailed discussion of layering with many Martian examples can be found in Sedimentary Geology of Mars. [9] Layers can be hardened by the action of groundwater.
Geological map of the region around the Tharsis plateau. Extensional and compressional features – e.g., graben and wrinkle ridges – have been mapped and are visible in the image. (USGS, 2014). [1] The Tharsis plateau, which sits in the highland-lowland boundary, is an elevated region that covers roughly one quarter of the planet.
Presently Mars shows little geological activity. The elemental composition of Mars is different from Earth's in several significant ways. First, Martian meteorite analysis suggests that the planet's mantle is about twice as rich in iron as the Earth's mantle. [6] [7] The planet's distinctive red color is due to iron oxides on its surface.
Areography, also known as the geography of Mars, is a subfield of planetary science that entails the delineation and characterization of regions on Mars. [1] [2] [3] Areography is mainly focused on what is called physical geography on Earth; that is the distribution of physical features across Mars and their cartographic representations.
The geological history of Mars can be broadly classified into many epochs, but the following are the three major ones: Noachian epoch (named after Noachis Terra): Formation of the oldest extant surfaces of Mars, 3.8 billion years ago to 3.5 billion years ago. Noachian age surfaces are scarred by many large impact craters.
Geology of Mars – Scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars; Glacier – Persistent body of ice that moves downhill under its own weight; Glaciers on Mars – Extraterrestrial bodies of ice; Lobate debris apron – Geological features on Mars; Nilosyrtis Mensae – Fretted terrain in the Casius quadrangle on Mars
Short title: USGS Scientific Investigations Map 3292, mapsheet: Image title: Geologic Map of Mars: Author: Kenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Jr., James M. Dohm ...