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These geologic and topographic maps show a basin in the Elysium region of Mars that is thought to have been the site of a large paleolake during the most recent period (Amazonian) in Mars' history (Scott and Chapman, 1991b). The basin, referred to as the Elysium basin, extends for more than 2,000 km across the lowland plains. It is important, not only geologically, but because the amount, location, and duration of liquid water that it may have contained would have been critical factors governing the possible origin and survival of life on Mars.
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This map is one in a series of 1:500,000-scale geologic maps initiated by NASA to investigate areas of particular scientific interest on Mars. The north Kasei Valles area merits detailed geologic study because it contains part of a large channel system whose age can be determined relative to geologic units that range in age from early intermediate (Early Hesperian) to the very late (Late Amazonian) periods of Martian history. Also, many geomorphic features in the map area suggest changes in water level and multiple erosional events associated with the Kasei Valles system. Later erosional events are indicative of spring sapping; small-scale, ground-water runoff; and water-mobilized debris flow. Therefore, this large-scale...
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Mangala Valles are a system of outflow channels cut into Terra Sirenum that appear to originate from a fracture of Memnonia Fossae radial to the Tharsis volcanic center (about 1,800 km to the east).
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The Galindo quadrangle (V-40; centered at lat 12.5° S., long 255°) was geologically mapped at 1:5,000,000 scale under the Venus Data Analysis and Venus Geologic Mapping Programs as part of a project focused on the study of venusian geologic terrains containing assemblages of coronae, arachnoids, and novae; these are enigmatic circular features perhaps related to hot-spot volcanism. Mapping of the quadrangle indicates most coronae are related to extension zones, and some aligned coronae and corona-like features show systematic variations in age. Standard photogeologic techniques were used to map the geology on the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscatter mosaic of V-40, which was generated by the radar image data...
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The region centered at Elysium Mons contains the second largest volcanic complex on Mars, surpassed in size by only the Tharsis complex. The Elysium region also has been a center of tectonic, fluvial, and mass-wasting activity. After degredation of ancient cratered terrain within the northern lowlands, volcanic rocks erupted from the Elysium Mons, Hecates Tholus, and Albor Tholus in Elysium Planitia. The volcanic activity was associated with episodes of channel formation, faulting, and apparent volcano/ground-ice modifications of some areas.
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