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South polar layered deposits on Mars sculpted by directional winds (left to right) into ridge-and-groove topography known as Australe Sulci. The resistant buttes may be pedestal crater remnants. (Mosaic of parts of Mars Odyssey THEMIS visual range images V08829007 and V0854014; image credit: NASA/JPL/Arizona State University).
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Accumulation and erosion of south polar layered deposits in the Promethei Lingula region,Planum Australe, Mars

1Eric J. Kolb and 2Kenneth L. Tanaka

1Dept. of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
2Astrogeology Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

Mars 2, 1-9, 2006 | doi:10.1555/mars.2006.0001
Received December 4, 2005 | Accepted March 31, 2006 | Published April 15, 2006

The geologic mapping of south polar layered deposits in the Promethei Lingula region, Planum Australe, Mars, indicates that aeolian-based South Polar Layered Deposit accumulation and erosion were controlled by substrate topography, leading to formation of large canyon systems. Subsequent erosion is largely confined to the chasmata walls and marginal scarp of Promethei Lingula and no evidence is observed for lateral migration of spiral troughs.

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