THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars

G. E. Cushing; T. N. Titus; J. J. Wynne; Philip Christensen

doi:10.1029/2007GL030709

THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars

G. E. Cushing, T. N. Titus, J. J. Wynne, Philip Christensen

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105 Scopus citations

Abstract

Seven possible skylight entrances into Martian caves were observed on and around the flanks of Arsia Mons by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Distinct from impact craters, collapse pits or any other surface feature on Mars, these candidates appear to be deep dark holes at visible wavelengths while infrared observations show their thermal behaviors to be consistent with subsurface materials. Diameters range from 100 m to 225 m, and derived minimum depths range between 68 m and 130 m. Most candidates seem directly related to pitcraters, and may have formed in a similar manner with overhanging ceilings that remain intact.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	L17201
Journal	Geophysical Research Letters
Volume	34
Issue number	17
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL030709
State	Published - Sep 16 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Geophysics
Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)

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10.1029/2007GL030709

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title = "THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars",

abstract = "Seven possible skylight entrances into Martian caves were observed on and around the flanks of Arsia Mons by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Distinct from impact craters, collapse pits or any other surface feature on Mars, these candidates appear to be deep dark holes at visible wavelengths while infrared observations show their thermal behaviors to be consistent with subsurface materials. Diameters range from 100 m to 225 m, and derived minimum depths range between 68 m and 130 m. Most candidates seem directly related to pitcraters, and may have formed in a similar manner with overhanging ceilings that remain intact.",

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AU - Titus, T. N.

AU - Wynne, J. J.

AU - Christensen, Philip

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N2 - Seven possible skylight entrances into Martian caves were observed on and around the flanks of Arsia Mons by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Distinct from impact craters, collapse pits or any other surface feature on Mars, these candidates appear to be deep dark holes at visible wavelengths while infrared observations show their thermal behaviors to be consistent with subsurface materials. Diameters range from 100 m to 225 m, and derived minimum depths range between 68 m and 130 m. Most candidates seem directly related to pitcraters, and may have formed in a similar manner with overhanging ceilings that remain intact.

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THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars

Abstract

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