Science, Geology - HMP 2002July 16, 2002 - Haughton Crater
Despite the slow start to the field season due to the snowy weather conditions, the HMP geology program is now in full swing. One of the key goals of this season is to complete the systematic mapping and sampling of the entire crater.
Impact Geology Studies
To understand the Haughton impact event; to study the relationship between impact shocked and unshocked lithologies at Haughton and in surrounding terrains on Devon Island; to study the nature, physical characteristics and structure of the Haughton impact breccia (impact-generated rubble); to explore the nature and duration of impact-induced hydrothermal activity; to investigate the subsurface structure and tectonic evolution of the impact crater; to characterize the geophysical signature of Haughton Crater; to characterize resolvable geological units in conjunction with remote-sensing surveys; to reconstruct the evolution of Haughton Crater through time, in particular its occupation by lakes and ice covers and its erosional history; to study the exposure and preservation of fossil records at the site; to explore possible geologic and astrobiological implications for Mars.
To understand the features and processes associated with the presence of ground-ice in the wide variety of materials and terrains present at Haughton and in its surroundings; to inventory and map periglacial features at the site in relation to environmental factors such as surface lithology and slope; to explore the role of ground-ice in slope erosion and valley formation, in particular active layer flows in the Haughton breccia; to study methods and strategies to map the distribution of ground-ice; to conduct comparative studies with Mars.
To understand the origin of the wide variety of valleys and canyons at Haughton and in surrounding terrains on Devon Island, many of which present morphologic similarities with valleys on Mars; to understand the environmental circumstances of the origin of the valleys; to understand the factors that govern valley scale; to explore possible implications for Mars, in particular the climate(s) prevailing on Mars at times of valley formation.