Watershed modeling in the Tyrrhena Terra region of Mars

Mest, SC and Crown, DA and Harbert, W (2010) Watershed modeling in the Tyrrhena Terra region of Mars. Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets, 115 (9). ISSN 0148-0227

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Abstract

Watershed analyses from high-resolution image (Viking, Mars Orbiter Camera, and Thermal Emission Imaging System) and topographic (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter [MOLA]) data are used to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize highland fluvial systems and analyze the role of water in the evolution of Tyrrhena Terra (13°S-30°S, 265°W-280°W), Mars. In this study, Geographical Information System software is used in conjunction with MOLA Digital Elevation Models to delineate drainage basin divides, extract valley networks, and derive basin and network morphometric parameters (e.g., drainage density, stream order, bifurcation ratio, and relief morphometry) useful in characterizing the geologic and climatic conditions of watershed formation, as well as for evaluating basin "maturity" and processes of watershed development. Model-predicted valley networks and watershed boundaries, which are dependent on the degree to which pixel sinks are filled in the topographic data set and a channelization threshold, are evaluated against image and topographic data, slope maps, and detailed maps of valley segments from photogeologic analyses. Valley morphologies, crater/valley relationships, and impact crater distributions show that valleys in Tyrrhena Terra are ancient. Based on geologic properties of the incised materials, valley and network morphologies, morphometric parameters, and the presence of many gullies heading at or near-crater rim crests, surface runoff, derived from rainfall or snowmelt, was the dominant erosional process; sapping may have only played a secondary role in valley formation in Tyrrhena Terra. Furthermore, spatial and temporal relationships of dissected highland materials and impact craters, suggests widespread, but relatively short-lived, erosion by runoff with most activity in the Noachian period. © Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.

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Details

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Mest, SC Crown, DA Harbert, W harbert@pitt.edu HARBERT
Date:	17 September 2010
Date Type:	Publication
Access Restriction:	No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets
Volume:	115
Number:	9
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1029/2009je003429
Institution:	University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs:	Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Geology and Planetary Science
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0148-0227
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2012 14:14
Last Modified:	09 Jul 2022 04:55
URI:	http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/13722

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