Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1986

Abstract

Posilirve isolated features or knohs have been observed on Mars since Mariner 9 lirsl-photo- graphed the planet m 1972. Morc recentlys yiking Orbiters photographed the surface at increased resolution. With the use of Viking photomosatices, a systemitic scarch for knobs was completed. The knobs were characterized by length, width, geographic location, proximity to streaks and geologic surroundings. Similar isolated feutures on Earth croded hy- fuvial, glacial. and colian processes wcrc studled" and measured. Compurison of lenethi-to-width ratios of Mattitn knobs to isolated hills on Earth indieate thal the Martin knobs are most similar to the isolated hills formed ina ryper-arid environmenl. Tac terrestrial features were probably formed initially when solid rock was fructured, thcn wind crosion, starting at the ractures, continued swcep away sediments Icaving isolaicd hills. Such hills in fuvial and glacial environments have length-lo-widtht ratios signilicantly higher than those or, Ne Marti:n knobs. Other diagnostic fealures associated with such environments are absent in the case of the Martian knobs. Morcover, strcaks, splotches, dunes and pitted and flutcd rocks alf indicative ofa colian regime, arc associated with the Martian knobs.

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