Mars Viking Geologic Map I-2001 of Olympus Rupes
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. The volcano and the great scarp that bounds it have been the subject of much scientific controversy. Although it has been possible to generate an empirical model that closely resembles Olympus Mons, 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 not only because the site may provide information about the origin of the scarp and the evolution of Olympus Mons, but also because rocks of widely diverse ages may be studies from samples collected from talus at the base of the scarp. The Olympus Rupes area encompasses the southeast flank of Olympus Mons, the basal, circumferential scarp, and part of the surrounding plains. Olympus Rupes rises more than 5 km above the Olympus plains in the eastern part of the map area. In the western part, the scarp is almost completely buried by young lava flows emitted from the flanks of Olympus Mons; where buried, relief on the scarp is about 2 km. The proposed landing site for a future rover mission in in the southeastern part of the map area on the flat, almost featureless plains that surround Olympus Mons.
- Mimetype
- application/zip
- Filename
- Mars-Viking-Geologic-Map-I-2001-of-Olympus-Rupes.zip
- Publisher
- USGS Astrogeology Science Center
- Publication Date
- 1 January 2023
- Author
- Morris, E.C.
- Originator
- USGS Astrogeology Science Center, Masursky, H., Applebee, D.J., Strobell, M.E.
- Group
- MRCTR
- Added to Astropedia
- 19 August 2013
- Modified
- 16 June 2021
General
- Purpose
Mars geological mapping
- Geospatial Data Presentation Form
- Geologic Map, Vector Data
- Series Id
- I-2001
- Edition
- 1
- Online Linkage
- http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search
- Native Data Set Environment
- ESRI Arcinfo
Keywords
- System
- Mars
- Target
- Mars
- Theme
- Geographic Information System (GIS), Geology, Volcanism, Structure
- Mission
- Viking
- Instrument
- VISA, VISB
- Search Terms
- Mars, Geology, Olympus Mons, Olympus Rupes
Contact and Distribution
- Access Constraints
- none
- Access Instructions
- You will need GIS software to view included files.
- Use Constraints
- none
Data Status and Quality
- Currentness Reference
- Publication date
- Progress
- Complete
- Update Frequency
- None planned
- Logical Consistency Report
- These data are believed to be logically consistent, though no test were performed.
- Completeness Report
Maps were completed on Viking-era basemaps.
- Process Date
- 2 May 2001
- Process Description
The geology of the Amazonis-Tharsis region of Mars, which includes the map area, was first mapped at 1:500, 000 scale from Mariner 9 data (Carr, 1975; Morris and Dwornik, 1978) and later at 1:2, 000, 000 and 1:1, 000, 000 scale from Viking data (Tanaka, 1983). Detailed geological maps of Olympus Mons at 1:2, 000, 000 and 1:1, 000, 000 scales, based on Viking data, were also prepared (E.C. Morris and K.L. Tanaka, 1994). The present map was compiled originally at 1:1, 000, 000 scale (Morris, 1982); additions and modification of that map have been made, based on a new 1:500, 000-scale photomosaic base map that includes a computer generated mosaic of higher resolution images (100 m/pixel; Viking Orbiter images 45B 37-46). Two other computer mosaics of very high resolution images of the general landing-site area were also used to determining stratigraphic relations and morphologic differences of units. A computer-generated, false color image (Viking Orbiter image 646 A28) that enhances tone and albedo, was used to help discriminate boundaries between flow units. The relative ages of geologic units depicted on the map are determined mainly from their stratigraphic relations; these relations are verified by crater-density statistics, which determine the range of the number of craters equal to and larger than 1 km per 10^6 km^2. Critical stratigraphic relations between the scarp and the flows of the volcano's flanks and at its base are revealed by detailed study of special enhancements of some of Viking's highest resolution images. Map preparation was on mylar or acetate made from USGS negatives. All features were scanned at 50 microns and then vectorized and attributed in Arc/INFO.
- Entity and Attribute Overview
- Geologic units and structural layers
- Entity and Attribute Detailed Description
- Please see original map sheet for unit description
- Entity and Attribute Linkage
- http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/rpif
Lineage
- Source Originator
- United States Geological Survey
- Source Publication Date
- 1 January 1998
- Source Title
- Geologic maps of Science study Area 3, Olympus Rupes, Mars (special MTM 15132 quadrangle)
- Source Online Linkage
- http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search
- Type of Source Media
- Stable-Base Material
- Attribute Accuracy Report
- Best Effort
Geospatial Information
- Feature Name
- Olympus Mons
- Feature Target
- Olympus Rupes
- Location Description
- The Olympus Rupes area emcompasses the southeast flank of Olympus Mons, the basal, circumferential scarp, and part of the surrounding plains.
- Direct Spatial Reference Method
- Vector
- Quad Name
- Radius A
- 3393400
- Radius C
- 3375730
- Control Net
- Viking MDIM1.0
- Map Projection Name
- Transverse Mercator
- Latitude Type
- Planetocentric
- Longitude Direction
- Positive East
- Longitude Domain
- -180 to 180