Sinuous ridges in Chukhung crater, Tempe Terra, Mars: Implications for fluvial, glacial, and glaciofluvial activity

We present a geomorphic map of Chukhung crater (38.47°N, 72.42°W) in central Tempe Terra, Mars. formed ~3.6–2.1 Ga, between the early Hesperian and Amazonian periods Mars' geologic history. It hosts dendritic networks wall valleys, broad floor mid- to late-Amazonian-aged debris-covered glaciers, moraine-like deposits, radial assemblage sinuous ridge landforms. explore origins landforms crater, focusing particular upon ridges. In northern ridges extend downslope from fluvial valley systems on wall. interpret as inverted paleochannels: by exhumation resistant and/or indurated channel fill deposits. The southern are more ambiguous. They emerge beneath which bound extant glaciers extending crater. have numerous morphological contextual similarities eskers: glaciofluvial sediment deposited meltwater conduits within or wet-based glaciers. close proximity ridges, however, calls into question an interpretation ascribes different origin each set. similarity overarching process esker formation (i.e., exposure removal bounding medium, be that ice sediments/rock) results convergence form eskers paleochannels. discuss esker-like characteristics detail, argue one two populations is best explained hypothesis while other could under either paleochannel hypothesis. Regardless specific mechanism for we find has undergone significant modification liquid water since its formation. associated crater-wall valleys provide evidence subaerial drainage precipitation snowmelt. This suggests possibly surrounding region, experienced unusually warm wet episodes mid Amazonian. If some all eskers, they additional influence glacial during mid-to-late glaciation did occur location major branches Fossae tectonic rift system would add growing body elevated geothermal heat flux was important driver localized occurrences recent