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At least 73 records · Page 4

Constraints on the depth and geometry of the magma chamber of the Olympus Mons Volcano, Mars

The summit caldera of the Olympus Mons volcano exhibits one of the clearest examples of tectonic processes associated with shield volcanism on Mars. The radial distance from the center of the transition from concentric ridges to concentric graben within the oldest crater provides a constraint on the geometry and depth of the subsurface magmatic reservoir at the time of subsidence. Here, researchers use this constraint to investigate the size, shape, and depth of the reservoir. Their approach consists of calculating radial surface stresses corresponding to the range of subsurface pressure distributions representing an evacuating magma chamber. They then compare stress patterns to the observed radial positions of concentric ridges and graben. The problem is solved by employing the finite element approach using the program TECTON.

Zuber, Maria T.↗

Preliminary geologic mapping of Arsia Mons, Mars

Geologic mapping of the Tharsis Montes at a scale of 1:500,000 was recently initiated as part of the Mars Geologic Mapping Program of NASA. Detailed mapping of the three large shield volcanoes and their surroundings will help to clarify the sequence of events which led to the formation of these features, as well as provide a basis for comparing the complex histories of the three related yet distinctive volcanic centers. Preliminary mapping of Arsia Mons at a scale of 1:2 M was carried out in preparation for detailed mapping. A map is presented along with a discussion of its contents.

Zimbelman, James R.↗

The continuum slope of Mars - Bidirectional reflectance investigations and applications to Olympus Mons

Two primary causes of near-IR continuum slope variations have been observed in an investigation of the bidirectional reflectance characteristics of ferric coatings on the continuum slope of Mars. First, the presence of a thin ferric coating on a dark substrate produces a negative continuum slope due to the wavelength-dependent transparency of the ferric coating. Second, wavelength-dependent directional reflectance occurs when the surface particles are tightly packed, particle sizes are on the order of or smaller than the wavelength of light, or the surface is otherwise smooth on the order of the wavelength of light. Based on these results, the annuli on the flanks of Olympus Mons which are defined by reflectance and continuum slope are consistent with spatial variations in surface texture and possibly with spatial variations in the thickness of a ferric dust coating or rind.

Fischer, Erich M.↗

The binary system containing the classical Cepheid T Mon

Several new results are presented for the binary system containing the 27(sup d) classical Cepheid T Mon. New radial velocities for the Cepheid have been obtained, which confirm the decreasing orbital motion at the current epoch. The spectral type of the companion (B9.8 V) has been determined from an International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) low resolution spectrum. An IUE high resolution spectrum has been measured to search for the velocity of the companion. A velocity signal at +36 km/s on JD 2,446,105.21 has been tentatively identified as the velocity of the companion, but confirmation of this velocity would be very valuable. Results based on this tentative identification of the velocity are that the companion does not have a high projected rotation velocity, that the companion is unlikely to be a short period binary, and that the gamma velocity of the system is between 20 and 36 km/s. The luminosity and temperature of both the Cepheid and the companion are well determined from the satellite and ground-based observations and the Cepheid PLC relation. However, the companion is above the ZAMS in the H-R diagram, which is inconsistent with the large luminosity difference between the two stars. High rotation for the companion (viewed pole-on) is a possible explanation. The lower limit to the mass function (from the lower limits to the orbital period and amplitude) requires a very high eccentricity for the system for reasonable estimates for the masses of the two stars.

Evans, Nancy Remage↗

High rate reactive sputtering of MoN(x) coatings

High rate reactive sputtering of MoN(x) films was performed using feedback control of the nitorgen partial pressure. Coatings were made at four different target powers: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kW. No hysteresis was observed in the nitrogen partial pressure vs. flow plot, as is typically seen for the Ti-N system. Four phases were determined by X-ray diffraction: molybdenum, Mo-N solid solution, Beta-Mo2N and gamma-Mo2N. The hardness of the coatings depended upon composition, substrate bias, and target power. The phases present in the hardest films differed depending upon deposition parameters. For example, the Beta-Mo2N phase was hardest (load 25 gf) at 5.0 kW with a value of 3200 kgf/sq mm, whereas the hardest coatings at 10 kW were the gamma-Mo2N phase (3000 kgf/sq mm). The deposition rate generally decreased with increasing nitrogen partial pressure, but there was a range of partial pressures where the rate was relatively constant. At a target power of 5.0 kW, for example, the deposition rates were 3300 A/min for a N2 partial pressure of 0.05 - 1.0 mTorr.

Rudnik, Paul J.↗

A study of the evolutionary stages of IRAS sources and outflows in the Mon OB1 dark cloud

An ongoing project aiming to relate the evolutionary stages of the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) sources in the Mon OB1 dark cloud to the morphology and energetics of outflows associated with some of these sources, is reported on. Previous evolutionary classifications of IRAS sources are refined and potential class O objects are identified. The fully-sampled CO maps of the outflows in this cloud are presented. These observations yield information on outflow structure, kinematics and excitation conditions. Low-intensity, high velocity gas is observed in the youngest outflows. This emission is characterized by relatively flat line wings at the highest velocities in spectral line profiles obtained at the peaks of the outflow emission.

Wolf-Chase, G.↗

Stratigraphy and Observations of Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V54), Venus

Initial mapping has begun in Venus' Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V54, 300-330 deg. E, 25-50 deg. S). Major research areas addressed are how the styles of volcanism and tectonism have changed with time, the evolution of shield volcanoes, the evolution of coronae, the characteristics of plains volcanism, and what these observations tell us about the general geologic history of Venus. Reported here is a preliminary general stratigraphy and several intriguing findings. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Bridges, N. T.↗

Tectonic and Volcanic History of the Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V54), Venus

Mapping of Venus Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V54, 300-330 E, 25-50 S) has been proceeding for the last 21 months. Discussed here are several intriguing findings and a report on the use of the pseudostereo data set. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Bridges, N. T.↗

Mars Express HRSC View of Western Olympus Mons: Evidence for Ice-bearing Deposit and High-Altitude Glaciation

This study is based on the geological analysis of the HRSC images taken on the orbit 0143 (12 m/px in nadir channel). The study area includes the western segment of Olympus Mons and the adjacent lowland plains (Fig. 1). Part of the volcano above the scarp is rather flat and is called "summit plateau" below. What is often called the volcano scarp is a slope classified into three morphologic types: Type 1 (S1 in Fig.1) is the steepest and dominated by ravines in its upper part and by talus beneath; Type 2 (S2) is intermediate in steepness and dominated by downslope trending linear depressions, part of which have channel-like morphology; and Type 3 (S3), is the most gentle and covered by lava flows, continuing from the summit plateau down to the lowland plains.

Basilevsky, A. T.↗

Possible Mafic Patches at Mons Malapert and Scott Crater Highlight the Value of Site Selection studies

Possible areas of mafic material on the rim and floor of Scott crater (82.1 S, 48.5 E) and on the northeast flank of Mons Malapert (85.5 S, 0 E) are suggested by analysis of shadow-masked Clementine false-colorration images. Mafic materials can produce more oxygen than can highlands materials, and mafic materials close to the south pole may be important for propellant production for a future lunar mission. If the dark patches are confirmed as mafic materials, this finding would suggest that other mafic patches may also exist, perhaps even closer to the poles. These preliminary findings illustrate the need for additional site selection studies in the lunar polar regions, to improve our capability to "live off the land".

Cooper, B. L.↗

Spatial and Alignment Analyses for a field of Small Volcanic Vents South of Pavonis Mons Mars

The Tharsis province of Mars displays a variety of small volcanic vent (10s krn in diameter) morphologies. These features were identified in Mariner and Viking images [1-4], and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data show them to be more abundant than originally observed [5,6]. Recent studies are classifying their diverse morphologies [7-9]. Building on this work, we are mapping the location of small volcanic vents (small-vents) in the Tharsis province using MOLA, Thermal Emission Imaging System, and High Resolution Stereo Camera data [10]. Here we report on a preliminary study of the spatial and alignment relationships between small-vents south of Pavonis Mons, as determined by nearest neighbor and two-point azimuth statistical analyses. Terrestrial monogenetic volcanic fields display four fundamental characteristics: 1) recurrence rates of eruptions,2 ) vent abundance, 3) vent distribution, and 4) tectonic relationships [11]. While understanding recurrence rates typically requires field measurements, insight into vent abundance, distribution, and tectonic relationships can be established by mapping of remotely sensed data, and subsequent application of spatial statistical studies [11,12], the goal of which is to link the distribution of vents to causal processes.

Bleacher, J. E.↗

Renewed Mapping of the Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V-54), Venus

After a long hiatus due to competing tasks with the PI, mapping of Venus' Nepthys Mons Quadrangle (V-54, 300-330degE, 25-50degS) has been resumed, with planned submission late in 2008 or early 2009. Major goals are to determine the style of volcanism and tectonism over time, the evolution of shield volcanoes, the evolution of coronae, the characteristics of plains volcanism, and what these observations tell us about the general geologic history of Venus. This abstract largely repeats earlier progress reports, with some updates to show GEMS that the PI intends to complete this task in the near future. Methods: Geologic units and structures have been mapped onto hardcopy FMAPs and then transferred to the 1:5 million-scale map base (Figure 1). Pseudostereo anaglyphs have proved an indispensable tool and have resulted in a virtual complete revision of previously mapped areas [1,2]. At FMAP scale, structural trends and inferred ages are broken out using different symbols and colors. These are in the process of being transferred to a 1:5 million-scale structure map separate from the geologic map. The geologic units, structures, impact craters, coronae, and volcanoes are being arranged in time-stratigraphic sequences as the mapping progresses.

Bridges, Nathan T.↗

Spatial and Alignment Analyses for a Field of Small Volcanic Vents South of Pavonis Mons and Implications for the Tharsis Province, Mars

A field of small volcanic vents south of Pavonis Mons was mapped with each vent assigned a two-dimensional data point. Nearest neighbor and two-point azimuth analyses were applied to the resulting location data. Nearest neighbor results show that vents within this field are spatially random in a Poisson sense, suggesting that the vents formed independently of each other without sharing a centralized magma source at shallow depth. Two-point azimuth results show that the vents display north-trending alignment relationships between one another. This trend corresponds to the trends of faults and fractures of the Noachian-aged Claritas Fossae, which might extend into our study area buried beneath more recently emplaced lava flows. However, individual elongate vent summit structures do not consistently display the same trend. The development of the volcanic field appears to display tectonic control from buried Noachian-aged structural patterns on small, ascending magma bodies while the surface orientations of the linear vents might reflect different, younger tectonic patterns. These results suggest a complex interaction between magma ascension through the crust, and multiple, older, buried Tharsis-related tectonic structures.

Bleacher, Jacob E.↗

Geologic Mapping of the Olympus Mons Volcano, Mars

We are in the third year of a three-year Mars Data Analysis Program project to map the morphology of the Olympus Mons volcano, Mars, using ArcGIS by ESRI. The final product of this project is to be a 1:1,000,000-scale geologic map. The scientific questions upon which this mapping project is based include understanding the volcanic development and modification by structural, aeolian, and possibly glacial processes. The project s scientific objectives are based upon preliminary mapping by Bleacher et al. [1] along a approx.80-km-wide north-south swath of the volcano corresponding to High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) image h0037. The preliminary project, which covered approx.20% of the volcano s surface, resulted in several significant findings, including: 1) channel-fed lava flow surfaces are areally more abundant than tube-fed surfaces by a ratio of 5:1, 2) channel-fed flows consistently embay tube-fed flows, 3) lava fans appear to be linked to tube-fed flows, 4) no volcanic vents were identified within the map region, and 5) a Hummocky unit surrounds the summit and is likely a combination of non-channelized flows, dust, ash, and/or frozen volatiles. These results led to the suggestion that the volcano had experienced a transition from long-lived tube-forming eruptions to more sporadic and shorter-lived, channel-forming eruptions, as seen at Hawaiian volcanoes between the tholeiitic shield building phase (Kilauea to Mauna Loa) and alkalic capping phase (Hualalai and Mauna Kea).

Bleacher, J. E.↗

Comprehensive Observations and Geostatistics of Slope Streaks within the Olympus Mons Aureole

Slope streaks (SS) are enigmatic linear features characterized by relatively low-albedo features that appear and fade on high-albedo slopes on Mars. Despite numerous hypotheses proposed to explain their formation, the primary mechanism behind SS remains elusive. Here, we examine 702 SS features using 32 multitemporal Context Imager (CTX) images and mesoscale modeling data obtained from a site (centered at 31.230°N, 216.281°E) in the Olympus Mons Aureole region. Our investigation revealed several key findings that shed light on the dynamics of SS formation and fading. We discovered a significant preference for SS formation on south-facing (equator-facing) slopes compared to north-facing slopes, with SS being over seven times more likely to occur on the former. Furthermore, SS formation was found to be seasonal with significantly enhanced by a factor of ∼6 near the equinoxes (from solar longitude Ls 337°-42° and 136°-227°) compared to other times of the year. Our analysis also revealed a correlation between the rates of SS formation and fading, with scree slopes exhibited the fastest-fading SS also experiencing the highest rates of newly-formed SS. Additionally, we measured the median starting and stopping slopes of SS to be 23.4° and 14.9°, respectively, significantly below the angle of repose of sand. These low slopes suggest the necessity for an energetic trigger mechanism to initiate SS formation. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that the principal distinction between the material inside and outside of a SS lies in the reduced abundance of dust within the streak. Notably, this site demonstrates the highest rates of SS formation (a 29.6% increase in new SS per Mars year) and fading (a 12% fading of SS per Mars year) ever quantified. These elevated rates may be attributed to the site's topography, which facilitates calm surficial nighttime winds throughout the year, leading to widespread dust deposition. Daytime downhill winds near the ridgelines of S-facing slopes may then trigger movement of newly deposited dust aggregates or alternatively, a Knudsen pump phenomenon could serve as a potential trigger for SS. We propose that SS is inhibited during the northern summer solstice season due to the relatively clear aphelion atmosphere, which limits dust deposition. Similarly, the lack of triggering activity during the winter solstice is likely due to more moderate daytime winds. Overall, our findings are consistent with the wind-triggered dry avalanche hypothesis as a plausible explanation for SS formation.

D E Stillman↗

DFT Investigation of Ammonia Formation via a Langmuir–Hinshelwood Mechanism on Mo-Terminated δ-MoN(0001)

In this work, we employed density functional theory to elucidate the energetics associated with elementary steps along a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism for the Haber-Bosch synthesis of ammonia from N 2 and H 2 on a hexagonal, Mo-terminated molybdenum nitride surface. Using nudged elastic band calculations, we determined the energy barriers involved in the reaction processes. An active site consisting of four nearest-neighbor Mo atoms, previously identified as an active site on similar surfaces, was chosen to investigate the reaction processes. Using this approach, we calculate a barrier of ~0.5 eV for the dissociation of N 2 . The superior activity of the dissociation of the strong N 2 bonds is rationalized based on the unique geometric and electronic configurations present at these active sites. Despite the favorable energetics for nitrogen dissociation, the energy cost for hydrogenation of NH x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) species is shown to be energetically limiting for the formation of ammonia through the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism at these sites, with elementary step activation barriers calculated to be as large as ~2 eV. A comparison to Haber-Bosch results derived from a similar γ-Mo 2 N model system suggests the relative independence of surface chemistry and bulk stoichiometry for rhombic Mo 4 active sites present on molybdenum nitrides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗