Geologic Mapping of Mars

Figure 1. Geologic map of a section of eastern Margaritifer Terra, Mars, at a scale of 1:500,0001. Map shows a variety of geomorphic units including one of the highest densities of preserved valley network drainage systems on the planet.

CEPS Staff: Dr. John Grant Sharon Wilson Purdy Dr. Ross Irwin

Geologic mapping is an integral part of exploration and understanding a planetary landscape, because it shows the relationships between geologic units and helps delineate the history of a surface. New orbiting spacecraft are obtaining data with progressively higher resolution, and as a consequence maps constantly need to be updated and improved. Moreover, as researchers' various needs and areas of focus change, maps of different areas and scales are required.

Dr. Grant and colleagues are currently mapping the geologic history and landscape evolution of southwestern Margaritifer Terra at a scale of 1:500K² (Figure 2). The map area is characterized by the large, multi-ring Ladon and Holden impact basins, channels comprising the Uzboi-Ladon-Morava outflow system, highland intercrater plains, late valley network activity, and a range of structural geology such as minor compressional and extensional faults. This region is of particular interest because two of the four landing sites being considered for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, Holden and Eberswalde craters, are located within the map area.

Figure 2. Topography in southwest Margaritifer Terra with major features labeled; outlines show quadrangles mapped by Grant and others²

See more on Margaritifer Terra and Holden Crater.

1. Grant, J.A., Wilson, S.A., Fortezzo, C.M., and Clark, D.A., 2009, Geologic map of MTM-20012 and -25012 quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra region of Mars: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3041, Version 1.0, 1:1,000,000, 1 sheet and pamphlet
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2. Grant, J.A., R. P. Irwin III, S. A. Wilson (2009), Geologic mapping of Holden crater and the Uzboi-Ladon-Morava outflow system, Planetary Geology Mappers Abstracts, June 24-26, San Antonio, Texas.
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