Title: Geologic
evolution of the Martian dichotomy in the Ismenius area of Mars and
implications for plains magnetization
Author(s): Smrekar
SE, McGill GE, Raymond CA, Dimitriou AM
Source: JOURNAL
OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS 109 (E11): Art. No. E11002 NOV 13 2004
Document Type: Article
Language: English
Abstract: [1]
The origin of the Martian dichotomy, which divides highlands from
lowlands, is unknown. We examine a section of the dichotomy ( 50 - 90E)
defined by steep scarps and normal faults. Stratigraphy and age
relationships preclude the formation of the 2.5 km high boundary via
erosion. The abrupt disappearance of topographic knobs similar to 300 -
500 km to the northeast is interpreted as a buried fault. Alignment of
the buried fault with grabens, stratigraphy, and age determinations
using crater counts indicate that the lowland bench is down faulted
highlands crust. The estimated local strain (3.5%) and fault pattern
are broadly consistent with gravitational relaxation of a plateau
boundary. Magnetic and gravity anomalies occur on either side of the
buried fault. Admittance analysis indicates isostatic compensation.
Although nonunique, a model with a 10 km thick intracrustal block under
the lowland bench, a 20 km thick block under the plains, and an excess
density of 200 kg/m(3) provides a good fit to the isostatic anomaly. A
good fit to a profile of the magnetic field perpendicular to the
dichotomy is produced using uniformly polarized intracrustal blocks 10
- 20 km thick, an intensity of 6 Am/m, a field inclination of -
30degrees, and gaps aligned with the isostatic anomalies. One
interpretation is that high-density intrusions demagnetized the crust
after dynamo cessation and that low-lying magnetized areas could be
down faulted highlands crust. Another model ( inclination of 30degrees)
has magnetized crust beneath the isostatic anomalies, separated by
gaps. The gaps could result from hydrothermal alteration of the crust
along fault zones.
Author Keywords: Mars;
dichotomy; crustal magnetism; gravity; isostasy; faulting;
gravitational relaxation; extension
KeyWords Plus: CRUSTAL
DICHOTOMY; HEMISPHERIC DICHOTOMY; INTERNAL STRUCTURE; MANTLE
CONVECTION; PHASE-TRANSITIONS; CRATERED TERRAIN; PLATE-TECTONICS; GIANT
IMPACT; FIELD; TOPOGRAPHY
Addresses: Smrekar
SE (reprint author), CALTECH, Jet Prop Lab, Mail Stop 183-501,4800 Oak
Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
CALTECH, Jet Prop Lab, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
Univ Massachusetts, Dept Geosci, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
SLR Alaska, Anchorage, AK 99503 USA
Publisher: AMER
GEOPHYSICAL UNION, 2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009 USA
IDS Number: 872ES
ISSN: 0148-0227