Morphological and morphometric analysis of a topographic depression near Huygens basin, Mars: Identification of a putative endorheic playa

Abstract

Inter-crater depressions on Mars, which may be host to candidate lakes, have not been explored in much detail. Even if a small percentage of these depressions were actually filled with water, it would mean that Mars was hydrologically more active than previously thought. The present study examined valley networks within the equatorial region of Mars. Analysis of the drainage networks around Huygens crater revealed a topographically flat basin towards it north. The basin was divided into two geological units on the basis of their morphological differences. Several features including wrinkled ridges, dike, different types of polygonal desiccation patterns (PDPs) and craters with layered ejecta blankets were observed within the two units. Estimation of lobateness, ejecta mobility and depth to diameter ratio of craters within these units suggest climate controlled fluctuations of volatiles and multiple episodes of resurfacing. Geological history of the basin was reconstituted and a possible stratigraphy was formulated after integrating basin morphology with Cumulative Size Frequency Distribution (CSFD) analysis. From the study, we infer the basin to be an ephemeral, endorheic playa that underwent several geodynamic processes and is a geologically rich terrain for future exploration missions.