Monica Pondrelli | Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti Pescara (original) (raw)

Papers by Monica Pondrelli

Research paper thumbnail of Insight into the development of a carbonate platform through a multi-disciplinary approach: a case study from the Upper Devonian slope deposits of Mount Freikofel (Carnic Alps, Austria/Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeoz... more The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeozoic carbonate platform has remained poorly examined. Therefore, the understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes that occur in geological past is still limited. We herein undertake a multi-disciplinary approach (sedimentology, conodont biostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and geochemistry) of a long-term succession in the Carnic Alps, which offers new insights into the peculiar evolution of one of the best example of Palaeozoic carbonate platform in Europe. The Freikofel section, located in the central part of the Carnic Alps, represents an outstanding succession in a fore-reef setting, extending from the Latest Givetian (indet. falsiovalis conodont zones) to the Early Famennian (Lower crepida conodont zone). Sedimentological analysis allowed to propose a sedimentary model dominated by distal slope and fore-reef-slope deposits. The most distal setting is characterized by an autochthonous pelagic sedimentation showing local occurrence of thin-bedded turbiditic deposits. In the fore-reef slope, in a more proximal setting, there is an accumulation of various autochthonous and allochthonous fine-to coarse-grained sediments originated from the interplay of gravity-flow currents derived from the shallow-water and deepwater area. The temporal evolution of microfacies in the Freikofel section evolves in two main steps corresponding to the Freikofel (Unit 1) and the Pal (Unit 2) limestones. Distal slope to fore-reef lithologies and associate changes are from base to top of the section: (U1) thick bedded litho-and bioclastic breccia beds with local fining upward sequence and fine-grained mudstone intercalations corresponding, in the fore-reef setting, to the dismantlement of the Eifelian-Frasnian carbonate platform during the Early to Late Frasnian time (falsiovalis to rhenana superzones) with one of the causes being the Late Givetian major rift pulse; (U2) occurrence of thinbedded red nodular and cephalopod-bearing limestones with local lithoclastic grainstone intercalations corresponding to a significant deepening of the area and the progressive withdrawal of sedimentary influxes toward the basin, in relation with Late Frasnian sea-level rise. MS and geochemical analyses were also performed along the Freikofel section and demonstrate the inherent parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input. Interpretation of MS in terms of palaeoenvironmental processes reflects that even though distality

Research paper thumbnail of Polyphase metamorphism in the eastern Carnic Alps (N Italy–S Austria): clay minerals and conodont Colour Alteration Index evidence

Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized ... more Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized by b cell dimension and Kübler Index (illite ''crystallinity'') of K-white micas (KI), Á rkai Index (AI) of chlorites, clay mineral assemblages and conodont Colour Alteration Index (CAI). Data indicate at least two metamorphic events, Variscan and Alpine. In the older event high anchizonal conditions predominated although epizonal conditions were reached over wide areas. It was characterized by lowintermediate pressure facies. The thermal peak was mainly due to an extensional regime during the Bashkirian. A younger thermal overprint generated by Alpine orogeny was of lower grade, reaching high diagenetic-anchizonal conditions characterized by high-pressure facies. Inverted metamorphic patterns are associated with middle to late Miocene thrusting. Hydrothermal alteration in the northern part of the region can be linked with emplacement of Oligocene plutons and high heat flow along the Periadratic lineament.

Research paper thumbnail of Lateral Accretion Patterns

Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Insight into the development of a carbonate platform through a multi-disciplinary approach: a case study from the Upper Devonian slope deposits of Mount Freikofel (Carnic Alps, Austria/Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeoz... more The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeozoic carbonate platform has remained poorly examined. Therefore, the understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes that occur in geological past is still limited. We herein undertake a multi-disciplinary approach (sedimentology, conodont biostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and geochemistry) of a long-term succession in the Carnic Alps, which offers new insights into the peculiar evolution of one of the best example of Palaeozoic carbonate platform in Europe. The Freikofel section, located in the central part of the Carnic Alps, represents an outstanding succession in a fore-reef setting, extending from the Latest Givetian (indet. falsiovalis conodont zones) to the Early Famennian (Lower crepida conodont zone). Sedimentological analysis allowed to propose a sedimentary model dominated by distal slope and fore-reef-slope deposits. The most distal setting is characterized by an autochthonous pelagic sedimentation showing local occurrence of thin-bedded turbiditic deposits. In the fore-reef slope, in a more proximal setting, there is an accumulation of various autochthonous and allochthonous fine-to coarse-grained sediments originated from the interplay of gravity-flow currents derived from the shallow-water and deepwater area. The temporal evolution of microfacies in the Freikofel section evolves in two main steps corresponding to the Freikofel (Unit 1) and the Pal (Unit 2) limestones. Distal slope to fore-reef lithologies and associate changes are from base to top of the section: (U1) thick bedded litho-and bioclastic breccia beds with local fining upward sequence and fine-grained mudstone intercalations corresponding, in the fore-reef setting, to the dismantlement of the Eifelian-Frasnian carbonate platform during the Early to Late Frasnian time (falsiovalis to rhenana superzones) with one of the causes being the Late Givetian major rift pulse; (U2) occurrence of thinbedded red nodular and cephalopod-bearing limestones with local lithoclastic grainstone intercalations corresponding to a significant deepening of the area and the progressive withdrawal of sedimentary influxes toward the basin, in relation with Late Frasnian sea-level rise. MS and geochemical analyses were also performed along the Freikofel section and demonstrate the inherent parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input. Interpretation of MS in terms of palaeoenvironmental processes reflects that even though distality

Research paper thumbnail of Depositional evolution of a lower Paleozoic portion of the Southalpine domain: the Mt. Pizzul area (Carnic Alps, Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2014

as follows: pre-Hirnantian ramp-type margin; Hirnantian glacioeustatic-related deposits and uncon... more as follows: pre-Hirnantian ramp-type margin; Hirnantian glacioeustatic-related deposits and unconformity; pelagic deposition in a ramp-type margin (Přídolí-Eifelian); slope formation and differentiation in buildup, foreslope and pelagic environments (Eifelian-Frasnian); transgression and reef drowning (Frasnian-Visean); probable subaerial exposures likely during in uppermost Famennian and Visean times; and turbidite deposition (Visean). Global controls or deposits suggesting a global control are documented, including the Boda Event, the Hirnantian glaciation, the Middle Devonian reef growth, the Kačák Event, and the high-frequency sea-level fluctuations around the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary. The drowning of the buildups here and elsewhere in the Carnic Alps started during the Frasnian, unlike observed globally. This suggests that local tectonics lead to progressive deepening up to the transition to turbidite deposition.

Research paper thumbnail of Polyphase metamorphism in the eastern Carnic Alps (N Italy–S Austria): clay minerals and conodont Colour Alteration Index evidence

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2007

Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized ... more Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized by b cell dimension and Kübler Index (illite ''crystallinity'') of K-white micas (KI), Á rkai Index (AI) of chlorites, clay mineral assemblages and conodont Colour Alteration Index (CAI). Data indicate at least two metamorphic events, Variscan and Alpine. In the older event high anchizonal conditions predominated although epizonal conditions were reached over wide areas. It was characterized by lowintermediate pressure facies. The thermal peak was mainly due to an extensional regime during the Bashkirian. A younger thermal overprint generated by Alpine orogeny was of lower grade, reaching high diagenetic-anchizonal conditions characterized by high-pressure facies. Inverted metamorphic patterns are associated with middle to late Miocene thrusting. Hydrothermal alteration in the northern part of the region can be linked with emplacement of Oligocene plutons and high heat flow along the Periadratic lineament.

Research paper thumbnail of An inventory of potentially habitable environments on Mars: Geological and biological perspectives

Geological Society of America Special Papers, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Geological, geomorphological, facies and allostratigraphic maps of the Eberswalde fan delta

Planetary and Space Science, 2011

Geological, facies, geomorphological and allostratigraphic map of the Eberswalde fan delta area a... more Geological, facies, geomorphological and allostratigraphic map of the Eberswalde fan delta area are presented. The Eberswalde fan delta is proposed as a sort of prototype area to map sedimentary deposits, because of its excellent data coverage and its variability in depositional as well as erosional morphologies and sedimentary facies.

Research paper thumbnail of Sequence of infilling events in Gale Crater, Mars: Results from morphology, stratigraphy, and mineralogy

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 2013

ABSTRACT [1] Gale Crater is filled by sedimentary deposits including a mound of layered deposits,... more ABSTRACT [1] Gale Crater is filled by sedimentary deposits including a mound of layered deposits, Aeolis Mons. Using orbital data, we mapped the crater infillings and measured their geometry to determine their origin. The sediment of Aeolis Mons is interpreted to be primarily air fall material such as dust, volcanic ash, fine-grained impact products, and possibly snow deposited by settling from the atmosphere, as well as wind-blown sands cemented in the crater center. Unconformity surfaces between the geological units are evidence for depositional hiatuses. Crater floor material deposited around Aeolis Mons and on the crater wall is interpreted to be alluvial and colluvial deposits. Morphologic evidence suggests that a shallow lake existed after the formation of the lowermost part of Aeolis Mons (the Small yardangs unit and the mass-wasting deposits). A suite of several features including patterned ground and possible rock glaciers are suggestive of periglacial processes with a permafrost environment after the first hundreds of thousands of years following its formation, dated to ~3.61 Ga, in the Late Noachian/Early Hesperian. Episodic melting of snow in the crater could have caused the formation of sulfates and clays in Aeolis Mons, the formation of rock glaciers and the incision of deep canyons and valleys along its flanks as well as on the crater wall and rim, and the formation of a lake in the deepest portions of Gale.

Research paper thumbnail of New Concepts and Tools for Geological Mapping of Mars: Geological Mapping of Mars: A Workshop on New Concepts and Tools; Tuscany, Italy, 12–14 October 2009

Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Equatorial Layered Deposits in Arabia Terra, Mars: Stratigraphy and Process Variability

Research paper thumbnail of The Martian Geomorphology as Mapped by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC): Implications for Geological Processes and Climate Conditions

Research paper thumbnail of Application of Sequence-Stratigraphic Concepts to Mars: Eberswalde Crater

Research paper thumbnail of Fluvio–Lacustrine Sedimentation and Tectonic Influence, Lunae Planum (Mars)

Research paper thumbnail of Geometry, stratigraphy and evidences for fluid expulsion within Crommelin crater deposits, Arabia Terra, Mars

Planetary and Space Science, 2014

Conical mounds and furrows are widely interpreted as the morphological evidences of fluids expuls... more Conical mounds and furrows are widely interpreted as the morphological evidences of fluids expulsion on the martian surface. In the Crommelin crater (equatorial Arabia Terra) furrows and conical mounds are exhumed within light-toned equatorial layered deposits (ELDs). Aim of this paper is to describe these landforms and discuss their potential relations with water upwelling in Crommelin area.

Research paper thumbnail of Preface

Planetary and Space Science, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Complex evolution of paleolacustrine systems on Mars: An example from the Holden crater

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of A description of surface features in north Tyrrhena Terra, Mars: Evidence for extension and lava flooding

Icarus, 2007

We studied north Tyrrhena Terra, an approximately 39,000 km2 area, located in the transition regi... more We studied north Tyrrhena Terra, an approximately 39,000 km2 area, located in the transition region straddling the Amenthes and Mare Tyrrhenum Mars Chart quadrangles 14 and 22, respectively. The study area comprises ancient terrains with infilled craters, ridges and valleys. Interpretation of orbiter data of ancient terrains is inherently difficult, but valuable information can be obtained using multiple datasets and

Research paper thumbnail of Evolution and depositional environments of the Eberswalde fan delta, Mars

Icarus, 2008

The Eberswalde crater and its contributing basins have been analyzed in detail in order to recons... more The Eberswalde crater and its contributing basins have been analyzed in detail in order to reconstruct the geological evolution of the water-related landforms with particular focus on the Eberswalde delta-like feature. Based on a complex strata organization characterized by a topset-foreset-bottomset geometry, typical of delta progradation on Earth, we interpret the Eberswalde feature to be a fan delta associated with a lacustrine system. Depositional sub-environments have been recognized and mapped and the sedimentary processes discussed. A sequence stratigraphy approach has been used to evaluate the system, which we interpret to result from three depositional sequences. These sequences suggest relative water level fluctuations and a longer trend over time towards decreasing water content inside the basin.

Research paper thumbnail of Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flooding, glacial and periglacial processes

Icarus, 2009

... Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flo... more ... Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flooding, glacial and periglacial processes. Andrea Pacifici Corresponding Author Contact Information , a , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Goro Komatsu a , E-mail The Corresponding ...

Research paper thumbnail of Insight into the development of a carbonate platform through a multi-disciplinary approach: a case study from the Upper Devonian slope deposits of Mount Freikofel (Carnic Alps, Austria/Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeoz... more The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeozoic carbonate platform has remained poorly examined. Therefore, the understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes that occur in geological past is still limited. We herein undertake a multi-disciplinary approach (sedimentology, conodont biostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and geochemistry) of a long-term succession in the Carnic Alps, which offers new insights into the peculiar evolution of one of the best example of Palaeozoic carbonate platform in Europe. The Freikofel section, located in the central part of the Carnic Alps, represents an outstanding succession in a fore-reef setting, extending from the Latest Givetian (indet. falsiovalis conodont zones) to the Early Famennian (Lower crepida conodont zone). Sedimentological analysis allowed to propose a sedimentary model dominated by distal slope and fore-reef-slope deposits. The most distal setting is characterized by an autochthonous pelagic sedimentation showing local occurrence of thin-bedded turbiditic deposits. In the fore-reef slope, in a more proximal setting, there is an accumulation of various autochthonous and allochthonous fine-to coarse-grained sediments originated from the interplay of gravity-flow currents derived from the shallow-water and deepwater area. The temporal evolution of microfacies in the Freikofel section evolves in two main steps corresponding to the Freikofel (Unit 1) and the Pal (Unit 2) limestones. Distal slope to fore-reef lithologies and associate changes are from base to top of the section: (U1) thick bedded litho-and bioclastic breccia beds with local fining upward sequence and fine-grained mudstone intercalations corresponding, in the fore-reef setting, to the dismantlement of the Eifelian-Frasnian carbonate platform during the Early to Late Frasnian time (falsiovalis to rhenana superzones) with one of the causes being the Late Givetian major rift pulse; (U2) occurrence of thinbedded red nodular and cephalopod-bearing limestones with local lithoclastic grainstone intercalations corresponding to a significant deepening of the area and the progressive withdrawal of sedimentary influxes toward the basin, in relation with Late Frasnian sea-level rise. MS and geochemical analyses were also performed along the Freikofel section and demonstrate the inherent parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input. Interpretation of MS in terms of palaeoenvironmental processes reflects that even though distality

Research paper thumbnail of Polyphase metamorphism in the eastern Carnic Alps (N Italy–S Austria): clay minerals and conodont Colour Alteration Index evidence

Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized ... more Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized by b cell dimension and Kübler Index (illite ''crystallinity'') of K-white micas (KI), Á rkai Index (AI) of chlorites, clay mineral assemblages and conodont Colour Alteration Index (CAI). Data indicate at least two metamorphic events, Variscan and Alpine. In the older event high anchizonal conditions predominated although epizonal conditions were reached over wide areas. It was characterized by lowintermediate pressure facies. The thermal peak was mainly due to an extensional regime during the Bashkirian. A younger thermal overprint generated by Alpine orogeny was of lower grade, reaching high diagenetic-anchizonal conditions characterized by high-pressure facies. Inverted metamorphic patterns are associated with middle to late Miocene thrusting. Hydrothermal alteration in the northern part of the region can be linked with emplacement of Oligocene plutons and high heat flow along the Periadratic lineament.

Research paper thumbnail of Lateral Accretion Patterns

Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Insight into the development of a carbonate platform through a multi-disciplinary approach: a case study from the Upper Devonian slope deposits of Mount Freikofel (Carnic Alps, Austria/Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeoz... more The development and behavior of million yearscaled depositional sequences recorded within Palaeozoic carbonate platform has remained poorly examined. Therefore, the understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes that occur in geological past is still limited. We herein undertake a multi-disciplinary approach (sedimentology, conodont biostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and geochemistry) of a long-term succession in the Carnic Alps, which offers new insights into the peculiar evolution of one of the best example of Palaeozoic carbonate platform in Europe. The Freikofel section, located in the central part of the Carnic Alps, represents an outstanding succession in a fore-reef setting, extending from the Latest Givetian (indet. falsiovalis conodont zones) to the Early Famennian (Lower crepida conodont zone). Sedimentological analysis allowed to propose a sedimentary model dominated by distal slope and fore-reef-slope deposits. The most distal setting is characterized by an autochthonous pelagic sedimentation showing local occurrence of thin-bedded turbiditic deposits. In the fore-reef slope, in a more proximal setting, there is an accumulation of various autochthonous and allochthonous fine-to coarse-grained sediments originated from the interplay of gravity-flow currents derived from the shallow-water and deepwater area. The temporal evolution of microfacies in the Freikofel section evolves in two main steps corresponding to the Freikofel (Unit 1) and the Pal (Unit 2) limestones. Distal slope to fore-reef lithologies and associate changes are from base to top of the section: (U1) thick bedded litho-and bioclastic breccia beds with local fining upward sequence and fine-grained mudstone intercalations corresponding, in the fore-reef setting, to the dismantlement of the Eifelian-Frasnian carbonate platform during the Early to Late Frasnian time (falsiovalis to rhenana superzones) with one of the causes being the Late Givetian major rift pulse; (U2) occurrence of thinbedded red nodular and cephalopod-bearing limestones with local lithoclastic grainstone intercalations corresponding to a significant deepening of the area and the progressive withdrawal of sedimentary influxes toward the basin, in relation with Late Frasnian sea-level rise. MS and geochemical analyses were also performed along the Freikofel section and demonstrate the inherent parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input. Interpretation of MS in terms of palaeoenvironmental processes reflects that even though distality

Research paper thumbnail of Depositional evolution of a lower Paleozoic portion of the Southalpine domain: the Mt. Pizzul area (Carnic Alps, Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2014

as follows: pre-Hirnantian ramp-type margin; Hirnantian glacioeustatic-related deposits and uncon... more as follows: pre-Hirnantian ramp-type margin; Hirnantian glacioeustatic-related deposits and unconformity; pelagic deposition in a ramp-type margin (Přídolí-Eifelian); slope formation and differentiation in buildup, foreslope and pelagic environments (Eifelian-Frasnian); transgression and reef drowning (Frasnian-Visean); probable subaerial exposures likely during in uppermost Famennian and Visean times; and turbidite deposition (Visean). Global controls or deposits suggesting a global control are documented, including the Boda Event, the Hirnantian glaciation, the Middle Devonian reef growth, the Kačák Event, and the high-frequency sea-level fluctuations around the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary. The drowning of the buildups here and elsewhere in the Carnic Alps started during the Frasnian, unlike observed globally. This suggests that local tectonics lead to progressive deepening up to the transition to turbidite deposition.

Research paper thumbnail of Polyphase metamorphism in the eastern Carnic Alps (N Italy–S Austria): clay minerals and conodont Colour Alteration Index evidence

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2007

Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized ... more Thermal evolution of the Palaeozoic-Triassic sequences of the Carnic Alps has been characterized by b cell dimension and Kübler Index (illite ''crystallinity'') of K-white micas (KI), Á rkai Index (AI) of chlorites, clay mineral assemblages and conodont Colour Alteration Index (CAI). Data indicate at least two metamorphic events, Variscan and Alpine. In the older event high anchizonal conditions predominated although epizonal conditions were reached over wide areas. It was characterized by lowintermediate pressure facies. The thermal peak was mainly due to an extensional regime during the Bashkirian. A younger thermal overprint generated by Alpine orogeny was of lower grade, reaching high diagenetic-anchizonal conditions characterized by high-pressure facies. Inverted metamorphic patterns are associated with middle to late Miocene thrusting. Hydrothermal alteration in the northern part of the region can be linked with emplacement of Oligocene plutons and high heat flow along the Periadratic lineament.

Research paper thumbnail of An inventory of potentially habitable environments on Mars: Geological and biological perspectives

Geological Society of America Special Papers, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Geological, geomorphological, facies and allostratigraphic maps of the Eberswalde fan delta

Planetary and Space Science, 2011

Geological, facies, geomorphological and allostratigraphic map of the Eberswalde fan delta area a... more Geological, facies, geomorphological and allostratigraphic map of the Eberswalde fan delta area are presented. The Eberswalde fan delta is proposed as a sort of prototype area to map sedimentary deposits, because of its excellent data coverage and its variability in depositional as well as erosional morphologies and sedimentary facies.

Research paper thumbnail of Sequence of infilling events in Gale Crater, Mars: Results from morphology, stratigraphy, and mineralogy

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 2013

ABSTRACT [1] Gale Crater is filled by sedimentary deposits including a mound of layered deposits,... more ABSTRACT [1] Gale Crater is filled by sedimentary deposits including a mound of layered deposits, Aeolis Mons. Using orbital data, we mapped the crater infillings and measured their geometry to determine their origin. The sediment of Aeolis Mons is interpreted to be primarily air fall material such as dust, volcanic ash, fine-grained impact products, and possibly snow deposited by settling from the atmosphere, as well as wind-blown sands cemented in the crater center. Unconformity surfaces between the geological units are evidence for depositional hiatuses. Crater floor material deposited around Aeolis Mons and on the crater wall is interpreted to be alluvial and colluvial deposits. Morphologic evidence suggests that a shallow lake existed after the formation of the lowermost part of Aeolis Mons (the Small yardangs unit and the mass-wasting deposits). A suite of several features including patterned ground and possible rock glaciers are suggestive of periglacial processes with a permafrost environment after the first hundreds of thousands of years following its formation, dated to ~3.61 Ga, in the Late Noachian/Early Hesperian. Episodic melting of snow in the crater could have caused the formation of sulfates and clays in Aeolis Mons, the formation of rock glaciers and the incision of deep canyons and valleys along its flanks as well as on the crater wall and rim, and the formation of a lake in the deepest portions of Gale.

Research paper thumbnail of New Concepts and Tools for Geological Mapping of Mars: Geological Mapping of Mars: A Workshop on New Concepts and Tools; Tuscany, Italy, 12–14 October 2009

Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Equatorial Layered Deposits in Arabia Terra, Mars: Stratigraphy and Process Variability

Research paper thumbnail of The Martian Geomorphology as Mapped by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC): Implications for Geological Processes and Climate Conditions

Research paper thumbnail of Application of Sequence-Stratigraphic Concepts to Mars: Eberswalde Crater

Research paper thumbnail of Fluvio–Lacustrine Sedimentation and Tectonic Influence, Lunae Planum (Mars)

Research paper thumbnail of Geometry, stratigraphy and evidences for fluid expulsion within Crommelin crater deposits, Arabia Terra, Mars

Planetary and Space Science, 2014

Conical mounds and furrows are widely interpreted as the morphological evidences of fluids expuls... more Conical mounds and furrows are widely interpreted as the morphological evidences of fluids expulsion on the martian surface. In the Crommelin crater (equatorial Arabia Terra) furrows and conical mounds are exhumed within light-toned equatorial layered deposits (ELDs). Aim of this paper is to describe these landforms and discuss their potential relations with water upwelling in Crommelin area.

Research paper thumbnail of Preface

Planetary and Space Science, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Complex evolution of paleolacustrine systems on Mars: An example from the Holden crater

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of A description of surface features in north Tyrrhena Terra, Mars: Evidence for extension and lava flooding

Icarus, 2007

We studied north Tyrrhena Terra, an approximately 39,000 km2 area, located in the transition regi... more We studied north Tyrrhena Terra, an approximately 39,000 km2 area, located in the transition region straddling the Amenthes and Mare Tyrrhenum Mars Chart quadrangles 14 and 22, respectively. The study area comprises ancient terrains with infilled craters, ridges and valleys. Interpretation of orbiter data of ancient terrains is inherently difficult, but valuable information can be obtained using multiple datasets and

Research paper thumbnail of Evolution and depositional environments of the Eberswalde fan delta, Mars

Icarus, 2008

The Eberswalde crater and its contributing basins have been analyzed in detail in order to recons... more The Eberswalde crater and its contributing basins have been analyzed in detail in order to reconstruct the geological evolution of the water-related landforms with particular focus on the Eberswalde delta-like feature. Based on a complex strata organization characterized by a topset-foreset-bottomset geometry, typical of delta progradation on Earth, we interpret the Eberswalde feature to be a fan delta associated with a lacustrine system. Depositional sub-environments have been recognized and mapped and the sedimentary processes discussed. A sequence stratigraphy approach has been used to evaluate the system, which we interpret to result from three depositional sequences. These sequences suggest relative water level fluctuations and a longer trend over time towards decreasing water content inside the basin.

Research paper thumbnail of Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flooding, glacial and periglacial processes

Icarus, 2009

... Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flo... more ... Geological evolution of Ares Vallis on Mars: Formation by multiple events of catastrophic flooding, glacial and periglacial processes. Andrea Pacifici Corresponding Author Contact Information , a , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Goro Komatsu a , E-mail The Corresponding ...