Co-evolution of polygonal and scalloped terrains, southwestern Utopia Planitia, Mars

• Published in: Earth and planetary science letters 2014-02, Vol.387, p.44-54
• Main Authors: Haltigin, T.W., Pollard, W.H., Dutilleul, P., Osinski, G.R., Koponen, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Evolution; Evolutionary; ground ice; Landforms; Landscapes; Marine; Mars; Permafrost; permafrost geomorphology; polygonal terrain; Polygons; scalloped depressions; Terrain; Utopia Planitia
• ISSN: 0012-821X; 1385-013X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2013.11.005

Thermal contraction crack polygons and scalloped depressions, two of the most common landforms found in Utopia Planitia, Mars, have previously been linked to the presence of ice-rich deposits in the subsurface. Although the formation and evolution of these features individually are relatively well understood, little to no effort has been directed towards elucidating possible interactions that occur between them during their development. Thus, the overarching goal of this research was to investigate if there is an evolutionary link between polygonal and scalloped terrains by correlating metrics representing polygon and scallop maturity. A variety of statistical analyses were performed using HiRISE and MOLA datasets to quantify interactions between four sets of polygonal and scalloped terrains. Our results demonstrate the existence of a negative relationship between polygonal subdivision and surface elevation, indicating that polygon networks become more ‘evolved’ as the surface subsides. These results suggest that the permafrost landscape in Utopia Planitia may once have been extremely ice-rich, and that multiple geomorphic processes may be responsible for its evolution. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that landscape reconstruction is more complete when a system approach is followed, quantifying interactions between landforms as opposed to examining an individual landform in isolation. •Evolutionary trends of polygonal terrain and scalloped depressions in Utopia Planitia are linked.•Increased polygon network maturity is associated with surface subsidence (lower elevation).•Processes responsible for surface evolution are different at the landform- vs. landscape-scale.•The subsurface in Utopia Planitia may have been more ice-rich than previously thought.