GEOMORPHOLOGY AND RELATIVE AGES OF CHANNEL BELT DEPOSITS IN JEZERO'S WESTERN DELTA

Abstract

International audienceIntroduction: The western delta [1] in Jezero crater is composed of a sequence which includes finely layered planar strata, truncated curvilinear strata, and blocky deposits [2], interpreted as prodelta deposits, laterally accreting point-bars formed in meandering channels, and coarse-grained fluvial channel belt deposits, respectively [3-5]. The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is completing its investigation of the lowest strata exposed within the western delta scarp [6], and will soon embark on a traverse across the delta “top,” during which it will encounter these curvilinear strata and “blocky” channel belt deposits.Here we use orbiter images and digital terrain models to map and characterize the ridge-forming blocky deposits of the western delta, reconstructing the time-order of channel belt deposition within the upper delta. We also re-examine the stratigraphic relationship between the ridges and the underlying curvilinear and planar layered deposits, as well as the largest impact craters on the top surface of the delta