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Geologic map of the north polar region of Mars

Scientific Investigations Map 3177
Prepared for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3177

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Abstract

The north polar region of Mars occurs within the central and lowest part of the vast northern plains of Mars and is dominated by the roughly circular north polar plateau, Planum Boreum. The northern plains formed very early in Martian time and have collected volcanic flows and sedimentary materials shed from highland sources. Planum Boreum has resulted from the accumulation of water ice and dust particles. Extensive, uncratered dune fields adjacent to Planum Boreum attest to the active and recent transport and accumulation of sand. Our geologic map of Planum Boreum is the first to record its entire observable stratigraphic record using the various post-Viking image and topography datasets released before 2009. We also provide much more detail in the map than previously published, including some substantial revisions based on new data and observations. The available data have increased and improved immensely in quantity, resolution, coverage, positional accuracy, and spectral range, enabling us to resolve previously unrecognized geomorphic features, stratigraphic relations, and compositional information. We also employ more carefully prescribed and effective mapping methodologies and digital techniques, as well as formatting guidelines. The foremost aspect to our mapping approach is how geologic units are discriminated based primarily on their temporal relations with other units as expressed in unit contacts by unconformities or by gradational relations. Whereas timing constraints of such activity in the north polar region are now better defined stratigraphically, they remain poorly constrained chronologically. The end result is a new reconstruction of the sedimentary, erosional, and structural histories of the north polar region and how they may have been driven by climate conditions, available geologic materials, and eolian, periglacial, impact, magmatic, hydrologic, and tectonic activity.

Suggested Citation

Tanaka, K.L., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2012, Geologic map of the north polar region of Mars: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3177, Pamphlet: i, 11 p.; 1 Sheet: 60 x 44 inches; Readme File; Metadata Folder; GIS Database, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3177.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geologic map of the north polar region of Mars
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3177
DOI 10.3133/sim3177
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Astrogeology Science Center
Description Pamphlet: i, 11 p.; 1 Sheet: 60 x 44 inches; Readme File; Metadata Folder; GIS Database
Other Geospatial Mars
Projection Polar Stereographic projection
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details