Sedimentary deposits in Xanthe Terra: Implications for the ancient climate on Mars

A variety of sedimentary deposits is observed in Xanthe Terra, Mars, including Gilbert-type deltas, fan deltas dominated by resedimentation processes, and alluvial fans. Sediments were provided through deeply incised valleys, which were probably incised by both runoff and groundwater sapping. Mass balances based on High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) digital terrain models show that up to ~30% of the material that was eroded in the valleys is present as deltas or alluvial fan deposits. Stratigraphic relationships and crater counts indicate an age of ~4.0 to ~3.8 Ga for the fluvial activity. Hydrologic modeling indicates that the deposits were probably formed in geologically very short timescales. Our results point to episodes of a warmer and wetter climate on early Mars, followed by a long period of significantly reduced erosion rates.