Mud flows in southwestern Utopia Planitia, Mars

Landforms with characteristic flow-like morphology are distributed across the southwestern portion of Utopia Planitia, Mars. Although some features have previously been interpreted as mud flows associated a former presence partly frozen muddy ocean based on their morphologies and similarities terrestrial analogues (Ivanov et al., 2014, Icarus 228; Ivanov 2015, 248), such interpretations remain ambiguous. This is because a) evidence supporting an has disputed by many, b) models evolution Planitia do not sufficiently explain emplacement mechanisms landforms, c) no in-situ measurements available to confirm sedimentary origin. Here we present results mapping exercise that focused field flow-related landforms spread ∼ 500 × 1300 km large area centered around Adamas Labyrinthus in attempt provide additional insight about formation mechanism. We mapped distribution 312 edifices classified them areal extent, shape, morphological properties. assert these can be grouped into four classes distinct shapes sizes. Their consistent ascent subsequent movement liquid over Martian surface. interpret evolutionary sequence among differences explained different effusion rates source material duration discharge at time emplacement. As result our analysis considering previous studies focusing interest, propose all >300 studied were formed subsurface sediment mobilization likely originated from same area. Consequently, argue for body within this region past. Finally, note there several unconsidered sequences events which could resulted sedimentary-volcanic activity Labyrinthus.