Spring Deposits on Mars: Physical Processes from Terrestrial Analogs

Introduction. An important first step in the current Mars exploration strategy [10] is the detection of sites where there is evidence for past or present near-surface water on Mars. This study evaluates the large-scale morphology of spring deposits and the physical processes of their formation, growth, and evolution in terms that relate to (1) their identification in image data, (2) their formation, evolution, and preservation in the environment of Mars, and (3) their potential as sites of long-term or late stage shallow groundwater emergence at the surface of Mars. Purpose of this Research. The general geologic diversity of spring deposits and the factors controlling their formation and distribution are poorly constrained and incompletely documented. In addition, the relative importance of concentrated thermal sources (magmatic heat), water heated through deep groundwater circulation , and the mechanisms whereby water may circulate and emerge at the surface have been documented for limited settings. Systematic documentation of the range of spring deposit morphologies and their modes of formation is needed in order to search for spring deposits in the appropriate places on Mars and to be able to identify spring deposits given their wide range of characteristics. A survey of the large-scale morphol-ogic characteristics and the geologic processes of spring deposits from the perspective of aerial identification , surgical processes, and general geologic association is needed in order to provide geologic