Brown, Jason Robert (2024) Investigating seismic activity and channel formation in Grojta Valles, Elysium Planita, Mars. PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.
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Abstract
This thesis aims to provide comprehensive insights into the geological processes within Mars's northernmost Cerberus Fossae region, focusing on channel formation, boulder mobilisation, and seismic activity. By amalgamating observations from various sources, including satellite imagery and geological analyses, this study seeks to elucidate the area's structural and geomorphic evolution. Beginning with a review of the geological background of the Cerberus Fossae and the methodology employed in this thesis, the research is divided into two main segments. The first segment investigates evidence of palaeoseismicity, seeking to determine the occurrence and timing of seismic events in the region. Utilising high- resolution imagery from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), boulder populations and their trails are analysed to discern patterns indicative of past seismic activity. The findings suggest the occurrence of large-magnitude paleo-marsquakes, shedding light on the area's seismic history. The second segment focuses on the formation of channel systems within the study area. By constructing a detailed regional map and analysing satellite imagery, the study identifies and analyses channel-to-source relationships, determining the mechanisms and timing of channel formation. The results indicate episodic channel formation, with channels propagating further eastward over time, and provide insights into the potential sources of the flood events. The discussion chapter synthesises the observations and discusses their implications in the broader context of Martian geological history. Based on the evidence gathered, the thesis concludes by formulating hypotheses regarding the Cerberus Fossae region's structural, geomorphic, and geological evolution. Drawing upon previous publications by the first author, the thesis builds upon and extends the research presented in peer-reviewed journal articles. By delving deeper into nuanced aspects not extensively covered in the original publications, this study contributes to our understanding of Martian geology and the potential for past tectonic and hydrological activity on the planet.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted. |
| Depositing User: | Acquisitions And Metadata |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Nov 2024 10:16 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Nov 2024 13:34 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/54621 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00054621 |
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