Chains of small cones and a cycloid form at Chryse Planitia on Mars

• Introduction:

Small cones are common on Mars. Many cones form chains several kilometers in length. The mechanisms of their formation are not explained. Cycloid forms are observed in a few places. Their origin is also unknown.

We consider a small region in Chryse Planitia where several chains of cones are found – Figs. 1, 2, 3. The cones height are ~20 m. The considered region is at the boundary of smooth plain on west (AHcs) and complex unit (AHcc) on east. The small region (HNck) in north-west corner of figure is the “older knobby material” – [1]. AH means Amazonian-Hesperian and HN - Hesperian-Noachian. The region is covered by lacustrine deposits. Some volcanic activity was possible in HNck.

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