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M.E. Strobell

Publications and source records attributed to M.E. Strobell.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1991

Geologic maps of science study area 3, Olympus Rupes, Mars

This map is one in a series of 1:500,000 -scale geologic maps initiated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to investigate areas of particular scientific interest on Mars. Olympus Mons is the largest known volcanic construct in the Solar System; it is more than 600 km across and more than 27 km above datum (fig, 1, sheet 1). The volcano and the great scarp that bounds it have been the subject of much scientific controversy. Although i t has been possible to generate an empirical model that closely resembles Olympus Mons (fig. 2, sheet 1), the dynamics of scarp formation are still unproven . The scarp area is thus a logical selection as a scientific study area. It has also been designated as a candidate site for a proposed lander/rover/sample-return mission to Mars (fig. 1, sheet 2) not only because the site may provide information about the origins of the scarp and the evolution of Olympus Mons, but also because the rocks of widely diverse ages may be studied from the samples collected from talus at the base of the scarp.

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USGS1979

Martian channels and the search for extraterrestrial life

The origin of the channels on Mars has been a subject of intense interest since they were first recognized on early Mariner 9 images (Driscoll, 1972; Masursky, 1973). Their presence on the planet, and their striking resemblance to terrestrial flood channels related to glacial outbursts or to dendritic river systems has suggested to most investigators (Baker, 1974, 1977; Nummedal, 1978; Carr, 1979; Masursky et al., 1977) that they were formed by running water. Because life as we know it is dependent on water, the discovery by the 'Mariner cameras', of watercut channels and volcanoes as a source for water, and water ice in the residual north polar cap by Viking, has reaffirmed the choice of Mars as the best target for the search for extraterrestrial life. ?? 1979 Springer-Verlag.

Journal of Molecular Evolution↗
USGS1978

Geologic map of the Phoenicis Lacus Quadrangle of Mars

The Phoenicis Lacus quadrangle (named Lake of the Pheonix by Schiaparelli, 1 877) includes some of the largest geologic features recognized on the terrestrial planets. Arsia and Pavonis Montes, (“South Spot” and “Middle Spot” of Mariner 9) rise 18 and 17 km, respectively, above the surrounding plateau to an elevation of about 27 km above the 6.1 millibar base level. These mountains and the two large volcanoes Ascraeus and Olympus Montes, located outside the quadrangle to the north, are also about 27 km in height , about three times as high as any volcano on Earth. The summit caldera of Arsia Mons. m ore than 100 km in diameter, is the largest known. Syria and Sinai Plana are part of t he highest plat eau on Mars, the Tharsis plateau; their relative elevation, 10 km , is twice that of the Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau on Earth . Noctis Labyrinthus , the great system of fault valleys at the we st end of Valles Marineris which is located o u tside the quadrangle to the east, displays a more clearly developed system of faults tha n the largest continental fault system on Earth, the East African rift valleys. The land slopes down to the northwest into Amazonis Planitia (fig. 1); the difference in elevation between the volcanic peaks and Amazonis low plains is greater than the relief form the top of the Andes to the bottom of the Peruvian trench. Th is great slope on Mars is similar to the continental shelf and slope that marks the transition bet ween the continents and ocean basin floors of the Ear th.

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