Topographic analysis of features related to ice on Mars

Abstract

This study analyses the new topographic data from Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) through the lobate debris aprons of Mars. These features are usually interpreted as due to the creep of ground ice. The comparison between measured topographic profiles and profiles calculated from rheological laws demonstrates that these features are due to the solid state deformation of ice. The high volume of such debris aprons can not be explained by rock fall but only by landslides. The ice involved in the flow may then come from the subsurface confirming the presence of large amount of ground ice.