Groundwater Sapping Valleys: Experimental Studies, Geological Controls and Implications to the Interpretation of Valley Networks on Mars

By: Nasa, National Aeronautics and Space Adm

An integrated approach using experimental laboratory models, field studies of terrestrial analogs, and remote studies of terrestrial field sites were applied to the goals of understanding the nature and morphology of valley networks formed by groundwater sapping. In spite of problems with scaling, the experimental studies provide valuable insights into concepts relating to the initiation, development, and evolution of valleys by groundwater sapping. These investigations are also aimed at developing geomorphic criteria for distinguishing valleys formed by surface runoff from those formed by groundwater sapping processes. Channels that were field classified as sapping vs. runoff were successfully distinguished using statistical analysis of their respective morphologies; therefore, it may be possible to use similar techniques to interpret channel genesis on Mars. The terrestrial and flume studies provide the ground truth dataset which can be used (and will be during the present year) to help interpret the genesis of valley networks on Mars. Kochel, R. Craig Unspecified Center...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1730918174
• ISBN13: 9781730918179
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 78 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"