Young Tectonic Events in Martian Chaotic Terrain
• A faulted landslide is an example of
recent subsidence and tectonic activity
in Aureum Chaos, Mars
• The feature is estimated to be less than
2 million years old--very modern in
Martian geologic time
• It is so modern that researchers suggest
the tectonic activity may still be active
Landslide
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Mar12/AureumChaos-Mars.html
Young Tectonic Events in Martian Chaotic Terrain
Geomorphic map based on
HiRISE image data
• Landslide is cut by
fractures that line
up with East-facing
scarp
• Tectonic activity
postdates a ~2 my
old dune field (age
estimated by crater
counting)
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Mar12/AureumChaos-Mars.html
Young Tectonic Events in Martian Chaotic Terrain
• If fault activity is recent, then
fractures or fissures may be
important sites for future geophysical exploration or seismic
networks
• Could be important places to
study the circulation or release
of fluids/gases from the crust
• Has interesting astrobiological
ramifications on the distribution
and/or cycle of water in the
Martian crust and the potential
development of microenvironments to harbor or
sustain life
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Mar12/AureumChaos-Mars.html