A structural study of an interior layered deposit in southwestern Candor Chasma, Valles Marineris, Mars, using high resolution stereo camera data from Mars Express

Abstract

An interior layered deposit (ILD) within Western Candor Chasma of Valles Marineris, Mars, is examined using data from the High Resolution Stereo Camera of the Mars Express mission. Most ILD layers dip in the same direction as the topographic slope. Exposed, rotated fault blocks of basement lithology appear to penetrate the cover of this ILD deposit in at least two locations. These features suggest a simple drape morphology over basement topography consisting of rotated fault blocks. This interpretation constrains possible hypotheses of ILD formation and suggests a limit on total volume of ILD material. Draping implies low-energy deposition, either subaerially or in deep water, and that the total volume of ILD is considerably less than indicated by the size of the mound. A dark competent unit unconformably caps part of the ILD indicating a multistage depositional history.