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Science 17 December 1976:
Vol. 194. no. 4271, pp. 1329 - 1337
DOI: 10.1126/science.194.4271.1329
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Articles

North Polar Region of Mars: Imaging Results from Viking 2

JAMES A. CUTTS 1, KARL R. BLASIUS 1, GEOFFREY A. BRIGGS 2, MICHAEL H. CARR 3, RONALD GREELEY 4, and HAROLD MASURSKY 5

1 Planetary Science Institute, Science Applications, Inc., Pasadena, California 91101
2 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California 91103
3 Branch of Astrogeology, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California 94025
4 University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California 95053, and NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94305
5 Branch of Astrogeology, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

During October 1976, the Viking 2 orbiter acquired approximately 700 high-resolution images of the north polar region of Mars. These images confirm the existence at the north pole of extensive layered deposits largely covered over with deposits of perennial ice. An unconformity within the layered deposits suggests a complex history of climate change during their time of deposition. A pole-girdling accumulation of dunes composed of very dark materials is revealed for the first time by the Viking cameras. The entire region is devoid of fresh impact craters. Rapid rates of erosion or deposition are implied. A scenario for polar geological evolution, involving two types of climate change, is proposed.

Submitted on November 16, 1976


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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