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Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms pp 1–9Cite as

Sedimentary Rocks (Mars)

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Definition

Lithified deposits on Mars interpreted to be of sedimentary origin.

Synonyms

Layered/stratified sedimentary deposits; Lithified/indurated sedimentary deposits

Note

“Sedimentary” refers to deposition and accumulation of loose particles originated locally or transported from a greater distance or minerals precipitated from solution.

Description

Inferred sedimentary rocks on Mars distinctive in their stratification, depositional morphology, mineral composition, tone/albedo variations, and thermal inertia (Grotzinger and Milliken 2012).

Subtypes

Sedimentary depositional settings (geographical locations where inferred sedimentary deposits are found on Mars) and sedimentary rock types as defined by Grotzinger and Milliken (2012):

  1. (1)

    Underfilled basins.“Topographic depressions created by tectonic extension, subterranean collapse, or impact events [that] have acted as significant sediment traps.” These locations experienced limited sediment accumulation such that sediments or...

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geophysics and Planetary Geosciences, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA

    Kathryn M. Stack

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  1. Kathryn M. Stack
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Correspondence to Kathryn M. Stack .

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Stack, K.M. (2014). Sedimentary Rocks (Mars). In: Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9213-9_386-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9213-9_386-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-9213-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Earth and Environm. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences

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