Large, ancient, compressional structures on Mars

Abstract

Our search for large compressional structures similar to the Coprates rise reveals that the rise is part of a group of about three dozen structures (the 'Thaumasia fold belt') that encircles the southern part of the Tharsis region. Similar structures are scattered over Mars. All appear to be Noachian or Early Hesperian in age, suggesting that lithospheric-scale buckling was a common form of early Martian compressional deformation.