High-Resolution Photogeologic Analysis of Dark Materials in the Eastern Valles Marineris Region, Mars

Abstract

High-resolution images taken by the Viking-Orbiter 1 Mission (50-70 m/pixel) have been map-projected and compiled to a single mosaic covering the eastern Valles Marineris region. In this image mosaic, dark patches identified on the basis of low resolution color images (cf. Geissler et al., JGR 95, 14399, 1990)have been investigated with respect to their morphological appearance. Special attention has been paid to resolve the relationship of these possiblyrecent volcanic materials (Lucchitta, Science 235, 565, 1987)to tectonic features like faults or grabens. Where available, high- resolution topographic data heve been used as ancillary information.