Date of Graduation
8-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Space & Planetary Sciences (MS)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Space & Planetary Sciences
Advisor/Mentor
Dixon, John C.
Committee Member
Davis, Ralph K.
Second Committee Member
Chevrier, Vincent F.
Keywords
Earth sciences; Fluvial geomorphology; Gullies; Mars; Recurring slope lineae
Abstract
Various flow formation features from gullies to recurring slope lineae (RSL) have been identified across the martian surface. The formation of these geologic features are still being determined. Recently, several aspects of these flow features indicate that salt water flows in the subsurface during the warmer months when the ice melts. This paper explores the formation of these processes using laboratory experimental simulations. Experiments were conducted in a wooden flume under varying martian conditions of temperature, slope angle, regolith simulant and a liquid subsurface flow. By adjusting the flume at specific heights, several slopes were obtained to mimic the slopes that RSL are present on. It is concluded that the fluvial geomorphic features that denote whether a flow feature is a gully, RSL or other flow formation feature are mainly based off the slope and environmental conditions. However, other conditions such as fluid solution and composition can also affect the results of channels produced.
Citation
Heydenreich, J. A. (2016). Experimental Simulations of Recurring Slope Lineae and Other Flow Formation Features on Mars. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/1663
Included in
Other Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons, Stars, Interstellar Medium and the Galaxy Commons, The Sun and the Solar System Commons
