Geomorphological features in an unnamed impact crater in Xanthe Terra: Insights into the history of ice deposition in deep regions of low latitudes of Mars

Abstract While polar regions on Mars have long been recognized as primary reservoirs of ice, recent studies suggest that ice‐rich deposits may also exist at lower latitudes due to cyclic variations in Martian climate. This study presents findings from geomorphological research conducted in the deepest region of Xanthe Terra, an unnamed impact crater. The objectives were to investigate the morphology and topography of the area to assess the occurrence of glacial features and to establish their potential age and geological context. We identified compelling evidence for fluvial and glacial activities within the crater by carefully analyzing various landforms, including theater‐head valleys, layered terrains, fans, sinuous ridges, and viscous flows. The findings suggest a dynamic environment shaped by water and ice processes, likely influenced by an impact event approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The presence of Amazonian fan deposits dating back to approximately 750 million years ago further highlights the continued activity of fluvial processes in the region. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of Mars' geological evolution and underscores the importance of further research to unravel the complex history of the planet's low‐latitudinal regions and its changing environmental conditions over time.

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Publication Details

Journal
Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Published
2025-08-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70012
Primary Topic
Planetary Science and Exploration
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Geomorphological features in an unnamed impact crater in Xanthe Terra: Insights into the history of ice deposition in deep regions of low latitudes of Mars

Aparna Manoharan, Asif Iqbal Kakkassery, V.J. Rajesh, R. Jaumann et al.
Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Planetary Science and Exploration
article

Geomorphological features in an unnamed impact crater in Xanthe Terra: Insights into the history of ice deposition in deep regions of low latitudes of Mars

Aparna Manoharan, Asif Iqbal Kakkassery, V.J. Rajesh, R. Jaumann, N. Najma
article en

Abstract

Abstract While polar regions on Mars have long been recognized as primary reservoirs of ice, recent studies suggest that ice‐rich deposits may also exist at lower latitudes due to cyclic variations in Martian climate. This study presents findings from geomorphological research conducted in the deepest region of Xanthe Terra, an unnamed impact crater. The objectives were to investigate the morphology and topography of the area to assess the occurrence of glacial features and to establish their potential age and geological context. We identified compelling evidence for fluvial and glacial activities within the crater by carefully analyzing various landforms, including theater‐head valleys, layered terrains, fans, sinuous ridges, and viscous flows. The findings suggest a dynamic environment shaped by water and ice processes, likely influenced by an impact event approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The presence of Amazonian fan deposits dating back to approximately 750 million years ago further highlights the continued activity of fluvial processes in the region. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of Mars' geological evolution and underscores the importance of further research to unravel the complex history of the planet's low‐latitudinal regions and its changing environmental conditions over time.

Meteoritics and Planetary ScienceVol. 60(9)
Freie Universität Berlin (DE), Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IN)
Indian Space Research Organisation
Openalex Percentile: Top 84%
Planetary Science and Exploration
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Geomorphological features in an unnamed impact crater in Xanthe Terra: Insights into the history of ice deposition in deep regions of low latitudes of Mars — Aparna Manoharan, Asif Iqbal Kakkassery, et al. · Meteoritics and Planetary Science (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS