Modification of the dichotomy boundary on Mars by Amazonian mid-latitude regional glaciation

Restoration of the dichotomy boundary to its original position to assess its origin requires a thorough knowledge of processes responsible for its degradation and retreat. The unique fretted terrain, located along the Deuteronilus-Protonilus Mensae northern mid-latitude portion of the boundary, has been long held to provide clues to dichotomy degradation processes. We use new spacecraft data to show that fretted valleys display a multitude of characteristics typical of integrated valley glacial systems on Earth (multiple theater-headed, alcove-like accumulation areas; sharp arete-like ridges typical of glacial erosion; converging patterns of downslope valley flow; valley lineation patterns typical of folding and shear; wrap-around features indicative of flow around obstacles; and broad piedmont-like lobes as the valley fill extends out into the northern lowlands). The single integrated system containing these features covers about 30,000 km², and is one of dozens of fretted valleys along the dichotomy boundary in this region. These relationships suggest that the boundary area was subjected to very large-scale regional glaciation during the Amazonian. Recognition and documentation of this important late-stage process provides information critical to reconstructing the original dichotomy boundary.