Megashears and hydrothermalism at the Martian crustal dichotomy in Valles Marineris

Abstract Observations of ancient deep deformation systems on Mars are important for constraining planetary dynamics, as well to identify potential mineral resources. However, such were thought be unexposed and inaccessible analysis. Here, we apply structural hyperspectral analyses, correlate results with magnetic anomaly patterns, investigate two large right-lateral brittle-ductile shear zones fault megabreccia exposed in the deepest parts Valles Marineris. The follow trace edge Borealis impact basin, represent dichotomy boundary. We hydrothermally altered mafic igneous rocks sheared basement. suggest that system was initiated basin ring pre-Noachian, further reactivation up until Hesperian, may still a source marsquakes. Hydrothermal circulation through have primary mineralizations which promising base rare metal exploration.