New, dated small impacts on the South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD), Mars, and implications for shallow subsurface properties

Icarus
By: , and 

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Abstract

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Context Camera (CTX) imaged two newly formed impact craters on the South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) of Mars in 2018 and 2020. These two new craters, the first detected on the SPLD, measure ∼17 m and ∼48 m in diameter. Follow-up observations were conducted with the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), showing seasonal and interannual changes, and providing stereo coverage for the production of digital terrain models (DTMs). Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) data were obtained over the region of these new impacts, giving surface temperature information for the time interval before and after the impacts were detected. Taken together, the optical and infrared observations of these sites reveal craters largely consistent with the morphologies of other small, dated impact craters on Mars, and crater ejecta patterns that suggest a more dust/regolith-dominated upper few meters of the SPLD in contrast to mid-latitude buried ice and lobate debris aprons (LDAs). This supports previous conclusions that the SPLD may have an upper surface depleted in water ice relative to the North PLDs, possibly the result of a widespread deflation event.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title New, dated small impacts on the South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD), Mars, and implications for shallow subsurface properties
Series title Icarus
DOI 10.1016/j.icarus.2024.115977
Volume 419
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Astrogeology Science Center
Description 115977, 14 p.
Other Geospatial Mars
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