Timing and spatial variability of post-Noachian fluvial erosion on Mars

The objective of this proposal is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of post-Noachian fluvial erosion on Mars. Specific tasks include:

1. Geologic mapping. We will map the continuous ejecta of post-Noachian impact craters <30° N or S and >75 km in diameter on Mars, as well as any superimposed deposits.

2. Crater counts. We will count all impact craters that are >1 km in diameter and superimposed on these large impact craters to determine the relative ages of the impacts.

3. Measurement of eroded volumes. We will use high-resolution stereo digital elevation models (DEMs) to measure the volumes of valleys that dissect the crater
walls.

4. Synthesis. We will use these results to constrain the timing of the last significant fluvial erosion on equatorial Mars and quantify the spatial variability of fluvial erosion at this time. This work will significantly advance our understanding of the paleoclimate and regional climate variability on Mars, which will help to focus future in-situ investigations and sampling of well- preserved aqueous deposits.

Dr. Morgan will perform the following tasks for this project including:
• Review and assist with the geologic mapping and crater counts produced by the PI and Smithsonian post-doc.
• Produce CTX stereo DEMs of the study areas using the Ames Stereo Pipeline and measure volumes eroded from the subject crater rims.
• Contribute to conference abstracts and peer-reviewed publications resulting from this project (as first author or co-author).