Planetary Geosciences

Structural Analyses of the Martian Crust in a Variety of Tectonic Settings

Extensional faults on Mars create complex patterns on the surface and, based on research by SwRI scientists, can produce strings of depressions termed pit crater chains. Using SwRI-developed 3D-Stress^® software on these faults allows analysis of the slip tendency and dilatant tendency of these faults (Ferrill et al., 2004). Figure reproduced courtesy of the Geological Society of America.

Wrinkle ridges on Mars form in areas where the crust has been compressed. Analyses by SwRI scientists have revealed small-scale deformation within these wrinkle ridges that provide insight into the conditions under which these features formed.

Illustration of pit chain formation over steep dilational faults. (Ferrill et al., 2004). Figure reproduced courtesy of the Geological Society of America.

A High Resolution Stereo Camera image is draped over gridded topography to provide a perspective view of a canyon system. Higher resolution altimeter tracks (dotted colored lines) provide precise elevation information and high resolution Mars Orbiter Camera images (gray swath) give detail.