Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-11-2024

Abstract

It has long been thought that glacial processes were unlikely within the tropical regions of Mars. However, growing evidence, including this work has identified and quantified relic glacial forms within the equatorial regions. These findings have major implications for understanding Martian climate history and its sensitivity to changes in insolation. As well, the presence of ice in the equatorial region of Mars has significant implications for the past global redistribution of the water ice in the Martian cryosphere. In this manuscript, I clarify and refine our understanding of the morphology of glacial features in the equatorial zone by applying novel methods never used within the tropical regions on Mars. The results support the hypothesis that glacial processes were a common and major geomorphic force within the Martian equatorial zone. The work reported herein also helps to create pathways and prototype methods for future research on these forms on Mars.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Louis Scuderi

Second Committee Member

Dr. Horton Newsom

Third Committee Member

Dr. Tyler Mackey

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Mackenzie Day

Language

English

Keywords

Martian, Cryosphere, Glacial, Equatorial, Climate Change, Machine Learning

Document Type

Dissertation

Download

Share

COinS