1 Geologic Mapping of Mtm - 30247 , - 35247 and - 40247 Quadrangles , Reull Vallis Region

Introduction: Geologic mapping of MTM -30247, -35247, and -40247 quadrangles characterizes the upper reaches of Reull Vallis (RV) and illustrates its context in the history of the eastern Hellas region of Mars. Studies of RV provide constraints on the roles and timing of volatile-driven erosional and depositional processes and potential associated climatic changes. This study complements earlier investigations of the eastern Hellas region, including regional analyses [1-6], mapping studies of circum-Hellas canyons [7-10], and volcanic studies of Hadriaca and Tyrrhena Paterae [1113]. Key scientific objectives for these quadrangles include 1) characterization of RV in its “fluvial zone,” 2) analysis of channels in the surrounding plains and potential connections to and interactions with RV, 3) examination of young (?), presumably sedimentary plains along RV that embay the surrounding highlands, and 4) determination of the nature of the connection between segments 1 and 2 of RV.