This report summarizes the status of mapping projects supported by NASA grant NNX07AP42G, through the Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) program. The PGG grant is focused on 1:2M-scale mapping of portions of the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) on Mars. Also described below is the current status of two Venus geo-logic maps, generated under an earlier PGG mapping grant

Zimbelman, J. R.

This report summarizes the status of mapping projects supported by NASA grant NNX07AP42G, through the Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) program. The PGG grant is focused on 1:2M-scale mapping of portions of the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) on Mars. Also described below is the current status of two Venus geologic maps, generated under an earlier PGG mapping grant

NASA Technical Reports Server

GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE MEDUSAE FOSSAE FORMATION, MARS, AND THE NORTHERN 
LOWLAND PLAINS, VENUS.  J. R. Zimbelman, CEPS/NASM MRC 315, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 
D.C., 20013-7012; zimbelmanj@si.edu. 
 
 
Introduction: This report summarizes the status of 
mapping projects supported by NASA grant 
NNX07AP42G, through the Planetary Geology and 
Geophysics (PGG) program.  The PGG grant is fo-
cused on 1:2M-scale mapping of portions of the Me-
dusae Fossae Formation (MFF) on Mars.  Also de-
scribed below is the current status of two Venus geo-
logic maps, generated under an earlier PGG mapping 
grant. 
Medusae Fossae Formation, Mars:  Work on 
mapping of the heavily eroded western portions of 
MFF continues to progress, only hampered by the PI’s 
learning about ArcGIS. Attributes of MFF as docu-
mented in Mars Orbiter Camera images were used in a 
reevaluation of the numerous hypotheses about the 
origin of MFF, with the conclusion that an ignimbrite 
origin is most consistent with observations [1].  Yar-
dangs are abundant within an intensely eroded compo-
nent of the lower member of MFF (which we label as 
unit Aml2), and they provide insights into the friable 
nature of Aml2 [2], as evidenced by differences in 
competency resulting from erosion and mass wasting, 
a result that appears to be most consistent with variable 
degrees of welding often present within volcanic (ig-
nimbrite) deposits [1].  A preliminary geologic map of 
the MC-23 NW quadrangle (Fig. 1) covers the south-
western margin of the globally mapped large 
 
 
Figure 1.  2009 version of the MC-23 NW geologic 
map (MFF are the blue, violet, and light tan units). 
 
exposures of MFF [3].  Mapping has revealed several 
outliers interpreted to be isolated remnants of Aml2 
(Fig. 2), suggesting that the previous extent of MFF 
materials may have been much larger than what is ex-
pressed by the present-day MFF exposures [4]. 
 
 
Figure 2.  Detail of MC-23 NW map (center-left of 
Fig. 1) showing outliers of Aml2 materials, located 
south and west of broad Aml2 exposures.   
 
A distinctive feature thus far restricted to the west-
ernmost MFF exposures is the occurrence of sinuous 
positive-relief ridges [5], which in MC-23 NW are 
restricted to the topographically lowest portions of 
Aml1, what we interpret to be the lowest stratigraphic 
component of global unit Aml [2; Aml is described in 
3].  These sinuous ridges are interpreted to be inverted 
paleochannels [5, 6] which may represent prolonged 
flow of a liquid coincident with the emplacement of 
the stratigraphically lowest component of MFF [2, 5, 
6]. 
Since early 2009, the PI has been learning to use 
ArcGIS software, obtained through a licensing agree-
ment with the Smithsonian Institution.  The learning 
curve for ArcGIS continues to be very steep, and after 
a full year the PI is still getting familiar with the intri-
cacies of the software.  Unfortunately, at the 2009 
mappers meeting, the PI learned that all ArcGIS map-
ping he had done to date was incorrect, and he is still 
in the process of trying to get polygons and line attrib-
utes all sorted out.  The map of MC-23 NW is the first 
geologic map that will be produced by the PI using 
ArcGIS, and thus it remains a work in progress at pre-
sent.  The unit contact locations are likely to not 
change by much, but the symbology and the contact 
attributes for this map are not yet in USGS format, as 
of the time of this writing. 
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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20110002771 2019-08-29T18:27:42+00:00Z
Mapping of MC-16 NW (Fig. 3) has barely begun, 
but it is already clear that this map will provide some 
 
Figure 3.  MDIM base map for MC-16 NW. 
 
important new insights into both the lower and middle 
members of MFF [3].  To illustrate some of the strati-
graphic relationships evident here, it is apparent that 
the global units will be able to be divided into multiple 
subunits, based on distinctive levels expressed in the 
erosion of the MFF materials (Fig. 4).  Results from 
 
 
Figure 4.  Detail of cliff-forming subunits within MFF 
(from center-left of Fig. 3).  
 
MC-16 NW are expected to provide valuable new in-
sights into both the emplacement and the erosional 
characteristics of all three of the globally mapped 
members of MFF.  When mapping of both MC-23 NW 
and MC-16 NW is successfully completed using Ar-
cGIS, the PI will work on producing an ArcGIS ver-
sion of a geologic map for MC-8 SE, using an earlier 
(Illustrator 9) mapping product [7] as a guide to the 
newly mapped geology. 
Northern Lowland Plains, Venus:  The map and 
text for the Kawelu Planitia quadrangle (V-16) have 
been in review with the USGS for many years [8].  A 
revised version, addressing all reviewer comments, 
was submitted to the USGS in 2008, at which time it 
became apparent that the linework (which dated from 
mapping carried out on unstable hardcopy base materi-
als) was not uniformly registered to the digital photo-
base that is the current standard for production of pub-
lished maps.  Careful review of all of the linework 
revealed that no single shift or warp could correct the 
situation, due to map revisions that were made at dif-
ferent times to various sections of the map.  During 
2009, all of the V-16 linework was manually adjusted 
to register with the digital photobase, through the help-
ful assistance of NASM volunteers.  We have not yet 
regenerated the unit polygons in Adobe Illustrator 9, 
the software used to make the current version of the 
map, but we hope to do so later this year.  Once the 
adjusted linework is reconstituted into a map registered 
to the digital base, V-16 should be able to continue 
through the revision process.  The Bellona Fossae qua-
drangle (V-15) was mapped preliminarily several years 
ago [9] under a previous PGG grant, also initiated on 
hardcopy base materials like V-16.  When the V-16 
map is finally through review, we will redo the V-15 
geology in ArcGIS, using the prior map as a guide 
while generating the new linework in ArcGIS. 
Future Plans:  Plans for a no-cost extension of 
funding include submission of the MC-23 NW map to 
the USGS and preparation of a preliminary map for 
MC-16 NW, followed by production of revised ver-
sions of the geologic maps for MC-8 SE and V-15 
using ArcGIS. 
References: [1] Mandt, K.E., et al. (2008) JGR-
Planets, 113, E12011, doi: 10.1029/2008JE003076. [2] 
Zimbelman, J.R., and Griffin, L.J. (2010) Icarus, doi: 
10.1016/j.icarus.2009.04.003. [3] Greeley, R., and 
Guest, J.E. (1987) USGS Misc. Invest. Series Map I-
1802-B. [4] Zimbelman, J.R., et al. (2009) Geol. Soc. 
Am. Abs. Prog. 95-1. [5] Burr, D.M., et al. (2009) 
Icarus 200, 52-76, doi: 10.1016/ j.icarus.2008.10.014. 
[6] Williams, R.M.E., et al. (2009) Geomorphology, 
doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.12.015. [7] Zimbelman, 
J.R. (2007) NASA Mappers mtg, ZIMBELMANa2007 
PGM.PDF. [8] Zimbelman, J.R. (2007) NASA Map-
pers mtg, ZIMBELMANb2007PGM.PDF.  [9] Zim-
belman, J.R. (2004) NASA Mappers mtg, 
ZIMBELMAN2004PGM.PDF. 
53


Geologic Mapping of the Medusae Fossae Formation, Mars, and the Northern Lowland Plains, Venus

GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE MEDUSAE FOSSAE FORMATION ON MARS AND THE NORTHERN 
LOWLAND PLAINS OF VENUS.  J. R. Zimbelman, CEPS/NASM MRC 315, Smithsonian Institution, Washing-
ton, D.C., 20013-7012; zimbelmanj@si.edu. 
 
 
Introduction: This report summarizes the status of 
mapping projects supported by NASA grant 
NNX07AP42G, through the Planetary Geology and 
Geophysics (PGG) program.  The PGG grant is fo-
cused on 1:2M-scale mapping of portions of the Me-
dusae Fossae Formation (MFF) on Mars.  Also de-
scribed below is the current status of two Venus geo-
logic maps, generated under an earlier PGG mapping 
grant. 
Medusae Fossae Formation, Mars:  Work on 
mapping of the heavily eroded western portions of 
MFF has progressed well, particularly with the assis-
tance of Lora Griffin, a PGGURP-supported 2008 
summer intern at NASM. Attributes of MFF as docu-
mented in Mars Orbiter Camera images were the basis 
for a reevaluation of the numerous hypotheses of the 
origin for MFF, with the conclusion that an ignimbrite 
origin is the hypothesis most consistent with the ob-
servations [1].  Interpretations of various aspects of 
yardangs that are abundant within the intensely eroded 
lower member of MFF were reported to the science 
community at two major conferences [2, 3] and at the 
2008 Mappers meeting in Flagstaff, AZ [4].  The yar-
dangs reveal that MFF materials have multiple series 
of internal layering [5], as revealed by differences in 
competency resulting from erosion and mass wasting, 
a result that appears to be most consistent with variable 
degrees of welding often present within volcanic (ig-
nimbrite) deposits [1].  A preliminary geologic map of 
the MC-23 NW quadrangle (Fig. 1), which covers the 
southwestern edge of the MFF deposits, was presented 
 
 
Figure 1.  2008 version of the MC-23 NW geologic 
map of southwestern MFF (blue and light tan units). 
 
both at the 2008 Mappers meeting [4], and in a poster 
at the 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 
[3].  The mapping reveals numerous outliers that we 
interpret to be portions of the lower member of MFF, 
suggesting that the previous extent of MFF materials 
may have been considerably larger than what is ex-
pres
 the 
mplacement of the lower member of MFF [5-9]. 
 
sed by the present MFF deposits on Mars [3, 4]. 
One distinctive feature to come out of the map-
ping in western MFF is the common occurrence of 
many sinuous positive-relief ridges [5], which are par-
ticularly well exposed in portions of the lower member 
of MFF [6].  These sinuous ridges are interpreted to be 
inverted paleochannels [5-7] (Fig. 2), representing 
prolonged flow of a liquid perhaps coincident with
e
 
Figure 2.  Sinuous ridge interpreted to be inverted to-
pography of well-developed cut-off meander deposits 
[5].  Portion of HiRISE image PSP_006683_1740, 
6.0S, 153.6E.  Inset shows location within portion of 
e browse image. 
 
th
In early 2009, some salary money in the current 
grant was reallocated (with the approval of the PGG 
discipline scientist) to purchase a Dell desktop com-
puter, on which was loaded ArcGIS software through a 
licensing agreement with the Smithsonian Institution.  
The 2008 Mappers meeting made it very clear that this 
is the preferred software (by the USGS) for all future 
planetary maps, so the investment should pay divi-
dends for mapping projects both now and in the future.  
The learning curve for ArcGIS is very steep, and the 
PI is still becoming familiar with the intricacies of the 
software, but already he can see the long-term advan-
tages that it holds for geologic mapping projects.  The 
geologic map of MC-23 NW [3, 4] will be the basis for 
the first geologic map produced by the PI using Ar-
cGIS.  Once the PI is familiar enough with the ArcGIS 
45
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20100017204 2019-08-29T19:04:47+00:00Z
software to generate an entire geologic map, the PI 
will then commence work on making an ArcGIS ver-
sion of a revised geologic map for MC-8 SE, using the 
earlier (Illustrator 9) mapping product [10] as a guide 
to th
r map as a guide 
whi
FF mapping areas identified in 
the
 et 
tg, 
Nb2007 
PGM.PDF.  [12] Zimbelman, J.R. (2004) NASA Map-
pers mtg, ZIMBELMAN2004PGM.PDF. 
e newly mapped geology. 
Northern Lowland Plains, Venus:  The map and 
text for the Kawelu Planitia quadrangle (V-16) have 
been in review with the USGS for many years [11].  A 
revised version, addressing all reviewer comments, 
was submitted to the USGS in 2008, at which time it 
became apparent that the linework (which dated from 
mapping carried out on hardcopy base materials) was 
not uniformly registered to the digital photobase that is 
the current standard for production of published maps.  
Careful review of all of the linework revealed that no 
single shift or warp could correct the situation, due to 
map revisions that were made at different times to var-
ious sections of the map.  Late last year, all of the V-
16 linework was manually adjusted to register with the 
digital photobase, through the helpful assistance of a 
NASM volunteer.  We have not yet had time to regen-
erate the unit polygons in Adobe Illustrator 9, the soft-
ware used to make the present version of the map, but 
we intend to do so later this year.  Once the adjusted 
linework is reconstituted into a map registered to the 
digital base, V-16 should be able to continue through 
the revision process.  The Bellona Fossae quadrangle 
(V-15) was mapped preliminarily several years ago 
[12] under a previous PGG grant, also initiated on 
hardcopy base materials like V-16.  When the V-16 
map is finally back on track, we will redo the V-15 
geology in ArcGIS, using the prio
le generating the new linework. 
Future Plans:  Plans for the third year of funding 
include submission of the MC-23 NW map to the 
USGS, completion of a revised version of the geologic 
map for MC-8 SE in ArcGIS, followed by completion 
of a revised version of the geologic map for V-15 in 
ArcGIS.  Parallel to this effort will be any revisions 
needed for the ArcGIS version of the map for MC-23 
NW and the Illustrator version of the V-16 map.  After 
progress has been made on the above maps, prelimi-
nary mapping (in ArcGIS) will be started for MC-16 
NW, the last of the M
 original proposal. 
References: [1] Mandt, K.E., et al. (2008) JGR-
Planets, 113, E12011, doi: 10.1029/2008JE003076. [2] 
Zimbelman, J.R. (2008) Eos Trans. AGU, 89(24) Abs. 
P34A-05. [3] Griffin, L.J., and Zimbelman, J.R. (2009) 
LPS XXXX, Abs. 1196. [4] Zimbelman, J.R. (2008) 
NASA Mappers mtg, NASA/CP-2008-215469, 77-78. 
[5] Zimbelman, J.R., and Griffin, L.J. (in press) Icarus, 
doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2009.04.003. [6] Burr, D.M.,
al. (2009) Icarus 200, 52-76, doi: 10.1016/ j.icarus. 
2008.10.014. [7] Williams, R.M.E., et al. (2009) Geo-
morphology, doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.12.015. 
[8] Burr, D.M., et al. (2008) Second Workshop Mars 
Valley Networks, Smithsonian Inst., 7-10. [9] Burr, 
D.M., et al. (2008) GSA Abs. Prog., 40(6), Abs. 195-
12. [10] Zimbelman, J.R. (2007) NASA Mappers m
ZIMBELMANa2007PGM.PDF. [11] Zimbelman, J.R. 
(2007) NASA Mappers mtg, ZIMBELMA
46


Geologic Mapping of the Medusae Fossae Formation on Mars and the Northern Lowland Plains of Venus

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