An Evaluation of Probable Bedrock Exposure in the Sinus Meridiani Region of the Martian Highlands

Abstract

The study region (15°N to 15°S, 330° to 360°W) includes portions of the classical low-albedo regions of Sinus Meridiani and Sinus Sabaeus and the high-albedo region of Arabia and is entirely within the cratered highlands of Mars. This region has been the subject of several spectral reflectance studies and it is also included in global studies at thermal infrared and radar wavelengths. More than 400 high resolution (8-36 m/pixel) Viking images in the study area were used to estimate the percentage of the area of each frame having locally steep slopes, here assumed to be the most probable locality for exposure of bedrock.