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Masursky, H.

Publications and source records attributed to Masursky, H..

At least 55 records · Page 3

The latitudinal distribution of a debris mantle on the Martian surface

A relatively young mantling deposit of debris surrounds both Martian polar regions and extends toward the equator. This mantle apparently has been derived by wind erosion of sedimentary deposits in the polar regions, a process that is probably continuing now. The distribution of the mantle is not correlated with any particular terrain type for it has masked the small crater populations on young and old terrains alike. The paucity of small fresh craters at high latitudes can be directly attributed to the presence of this debris blanket. It is clear that extreme care should be exercised in using the populations of small craters to establish the chronology of the evolution of geologic provinces on Mars.

Soderblom, L. A.↗

An overview of geological results from Mariner 9.

Summary of Mariner 9 mission operations associated with the acquisition of geological data. Selected results are presented, along with hypotheses inferred from preliminary evidence. These hypotheses are included in order to call attention to areas in which potentially valuable work can be performed.

Masursky, H.↗

A generalized geologic map of Mars.

A geologic map of Mars has been constructed largely on the basis of photographic evidence. Four classes of units are recognized: (1) primitive cratered terrain, (2) sparsely cratered volcanic eolian plains, (3) circular radially symmetric volcanic constructs such as shield volcanoes, domes, and craters, and (4) tectonic erosional units such as chaotic and channel deposits. Grabens are the main structural features; compressional and strike slip features are almost completely absent. Most grabens are part of a set radial to the main volcanic area, Tharsis.

Carr, M. H.↗

Latitudinal distribution of a debris mantle on the Martian surface.

Mariner 9 narrow angle pictures show that many areas on Mars are buried by debris mantles that later have been partially eroded. A survey of the present debris distributions shows that they are symmetrically disposed about the polar regions, extending poleward from the 30 N and 30 S latitudes. These blankets are inferred to represent eolian debris derived from circumpolar layered deposits; the process of equatorward redistribution of debris by wind action is probably still continuing.

Soderblom, L. A.↗

Preliminary Mariner 9 report on the geology of Mars.

Mariner 9 results indicate that Mars is geologically far more heterogeneous than previously suspected from earlier flyby missions; the surface has been shaped by volcanic, tectonic, erosional, and depositional activity. The equatorial region between 30 deg N and 30 deg S latitude is depicted in four geologic sketch maps, and seventeen geologic units are defined on the basis of their textural characteristics. The maps and the brief descriptions of geological units portrayed are followed by a series of more interpretive discussions dealing with topical problems and a summary geologic history. Topics covered include cratering, circular basins, volcanism, canyons, chaotic terrain, channels, and eolian activity.

Mccauley, J. F.↗

Imaging experiment - The Viking Mars Orbiter.

The general objectives of the imaging experiment on the Viking Orbiter are to aid the selection of Viking Lander sites, to map and monitor the chosen sites during lander operations, to aid in the selection of future landing sites, and to extend our knowledge of the planet. The imaging system consists of two identical vidicon cameras each attached to a 1026-mm T/8 telescope giving approximately 1-deg square field of view. From an altitude of 1500 km, the picture elements will be approximately 24 m apart. The vidicon is coupled with an image intensifier which provides increased sensitivity and permits electronic shuttering and image motion compensation. The camera differs from those previously flown to Mars by providing contiguous coverage at high resolution on a single orbital pass, by having sufficient sensitivity to use narrow band color filters at maximum resolution, and by having response in the ultraviolet.

Carr, M. H.↗

Mariner 9 science experiments - Preliminary results.

On the basis of data provided by the IR interferometer spectrometer on the Mariner 9 spacecraft, it is suggested that the composition of the Martian dust corresponds approximately to that of rocks of intermediate silicon dioxide content. The large dynamical pole flattening obtained from satellite observations has been confirmed by the Mariner 9 data.

Steinbacher, R. H.↗

Mariner 9 television reconnaissance of Mars and its satellites - Preliminary results.

At orbit insertion, the Martian surface was largely obscured by a dust haze with an extinction optical depth that ranged from near unity in the south polar region to probably greater than two over most of the planet. The only features clearly visible were the south polar cap, one dark spot in Nix Olympica, and three dark spots in the Tharsis region. During the third week, the atmosphere began to clear and surface visibility improved, but contrasts remained a fraction of their normal value. Each of the dark spots that apparently protrude through most of the dust-filled atmosphere has a crater or crater complex in its center. The craters apparently were formed by subsidence and resemble terrestrial calderas.

Masursky, H.↗

Apollo 16 landing site: Summary of earth based remote sensing data, part W

Infrared and radar studies of the Apollo 16 landing site are summarized. Correlations and comparisons between earth based remote sensing data, IR observations, and other data are discussed in detail. Remote sensing studies were devoted to solving two problems: (1) determining the physical difference between Cayley and Descartes geologic units near the landing site; and (2) determining the nature of the bright unit of Descartes mountain material.

Zisk, S. H.↗

Lunar theory and processes

Alpha scattering chemical analysis of lunar surface materials at Surveyor landing sites and lunar geomorphology

Adams, J. B.↗

Lunar theory and processes.

Surveyor 3 photography of lunar terrain, general morphology and position of lunar rocks at landing site and evidence for material transport

Collins, R. J.↗

Lunar theory and processes

Chemical element abundances for common rock types compared with preliminary chemical analysis of lunar surface at Surveyor 5 landing site

Adams, J. B.↗