Origin of extensional structures in the noachis-sabaea region , mars : alternative hypotheses

Introduction: Early dynamic evolution processes of the terrestrial planets are hardly known. In absence of intense surficial weathering and Earth-like tectonic recycling, southern highlands preserve remnants of early Martian tectonic structures. The structural map of the Noachis-Sabaea region [1] suggests the presence of compressional and extensional features throughout. Amongst these, some extensional structures show complex orientations and morphological patterns. The mechanisms for their (especially grabens) formations are not well understood and ideas are mainly linked to the Hellas impact [2]. Here, we have tried to describe the evolution mechanisms of the non-Hellas concentric grabens in the Noachis-Sabaea region.