North Polar Region of Mars: Imaging Results from Viking 2

During October 1976, the Viking 2 orbiter acquired approximately 700 high-resolution images of the north polar region of Mars. These images confirm the existence at the north pole of extensive layered deposits largely covered over with deposits of perennial ice. An unconformity within the layered de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science
Main Authors: Cutts, James A., Blasius, Karl R., Briggs, Geoffrey A., Carr, Michael H., Greeley, Ronald, Masursky, Harold
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 1976
Subjects:
North Pole
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.194.4271.1329
https://www.science.org/doi/pdf/10.1126/science.194.4271.1329
Description
Summary:During October 1976, the Viking 2 orbiter acquired approximately 700 high-resolution images of the north polar region of Mars. These images confirm the existence at the north pole of extensive layered deposits largely covered over with deposits of perennial ice. An unconformity within the layered deposits suggests a complex history of climate change during their time of deposition. A pole-girdling accumulation of dunes composed of very dark materials is revealed for the first time by the Viking cameras. The entire region is devoid of fresh impact craters. Rapid rates of erosion or deposition are implied. A scenario for polar geological evolution, involving two types of climate change, is proposed.

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