Unravelling the Geomorphic History of Mars: Landform Evolution Modeling as a Tool

Alan Howard, Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ

With the exception of a few landed missions, knowledge of the evolution of Mars' surface is primarily based upon remote sensing of surface morphology, topography, and mineralogic-elemental compositions. The primary processes sculpting the surface have been impact cratering; weathering, erosion, transport and deposition by water flow; the accumulation, flow, melting and sublimation of ice; and wind transport. But many uncertainties and controversies remain about the relative process importance and sequencing, with abundant enigmatic landforms. This talk focuses on the use of 2-D landform evolution modeling as a tool to quantitatively test working hypotheses.

Host: Bill McKinnon

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