The origin and evolution of ice domes in the north polar region of Mars

Conway, S. J.; Hovius, N.; Barnie, T. D.; Besserer, J.; Le Mouélic, S. and Reed, N. (2011). The origin and evolution of ice domes in the north polar region of Mars. In: Lunar and Planetary Institute Science Conference XLII, 7-11 Mar 2011, The Woodlands, Texas, p. 2030.

URL: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2011/pdf/2030...

Abstract

We have identified 12 craters in the north polar region of Mars that contain domes of ice and 6 additional craters that contain domes which could have ice beneath a cover of dunes. These domes are located both adjacent to the polar cap deposits and up to ~600 km away. The two largest domes, in Korolev and Dokka craters, are located at distances of 623 and 301 km respectively. These domes are assumed to be remnants of a previously more extensive cap. We test this hypothesis and also explore three other possibilities: that the domes are formed by (1) post-impact hydrothermal activity, (2) upwelling of water from a deep aquifer, or (3) formed separately from the polar ice cap.

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