Modification of the dichotomy boundary on Mars by Amazonian mid‐latitude regional glaciation

Abstract

Restoration of the dichotomy boundary to its original position to assess its origin requires a thorough knowledge of processes responsible for its degradation and retreat. The unique fretted terrain, located along the Deuteronilus‐Protonilus Mensae northern mid‐latitude portion of the boundary, has been long held to provide clues to dichotomy degradation processes. We use new spacecraft data to show that fretted valleys display a multitude of characteristics typical of integrated valley glacial systems on Earth (multiple theater‐headed, alcove‐like accumulation areas; sharp arete‐like ridges typical of glacial erosion; converging patterns of downslope valley flow; valley lineation patterns typical of folding and shear; wrap‐around features indicative of flow around obstacles; and broad piedmont‐like lobes as the valley fill extends out into the northern lowlands). The single integrated system containing these features covers about 30,000 km2, and is one of dozens of fretted valleys along the dichotomy boundary in this region. These relationships suggest that the boundary area was subjected to very large‐scale regional glaciation during the Amazonian. Recognition and documentation of this important late‐stage process provides information critical to reconstructing the original dichotomy boundary.