Iani Chaos

Chaos on Mars

Iani Chaos is a region of chaos terrain at the south end of the outflow channel Ares Vallis, of the Margaritifer Sinus quadrangle (MC-19) region of the planet Mars, centered at approximately ~342°E, 2°S. This is the source region of Ares Vallis. The chaotic terrain is widely believed to have formed via the removal of subsurface water or ice, resulting in flooding at the surface, and the formation of Ares Vallis. Within Iani Chaos, deposited stratigraphically above the chaotic terrain, are smooth, low-slope, intermediate-to-light-toned deposits that are rich in a hydrated mineral that is most likely gypsum as well as hematite.^[1]

Map showing location of Arsinoes Chaos (far left), Iani Chaos, Aureum Chaos, Margaritifer Chaos, and other nearby features

Mars Science Laboratory

Several sites in the Margaritifer Sinus quadrangle have been proposed as areas to send NASA's next major Mars rover, the Mars Science Lab. Among the top 33 landing sites was Iani Chaos. A picture below shows a potential landing zone in Iani Chaos. Deposits of hematite and gypsum have been found there.^[2] Those minerals are usually formed in connection with water.

The aim of the Mars Science Laboratory is to search for signs of ancient life. It is hoped that a later mission could then return samples from sites identified as probably containing remains of life. To safely bring the craft down, a 12-mile-wide, smooth, flat circle is needed. Geologists hope to examine places where water once ponded.^[2] They would like to examine sediment layers.

Iani Chaos, as seen by THEMIS. Sand from eroding mesas is covering brighter floor material. Click on image to see relationship of Iani Chaos to other local features.
Landing zone in Iani Chaos, as seen by THEMIS.

References

^ T.D. Glotch. "Iani Chaos as a landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 2013-05-28.
^ ^a ^b "The Floods of Iani Chaos". Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS, Arizona State University. Retrieved 2013-05-28.

External links

Mars

Outline of Mars

Geography

Atmosphere	Circulation Climate Dust devil tracks Methane
Regions	Arabia Terra Cerberus (Mars) Cydonia Eridania Lake Iani Chaos Olympia Undae Planum Australe Planum Boreum Quadrangles Sinus Meridiani Tempe Terra Terra Cimmeria Terra Sabaea Tharsis Undae Ultimi Scopuli Vastitas Borealis
Physical features	"Canals" (list) Canyons Catenae Chaos terrain Craters Fossae Gullies Mensae Labyrinthi Mountains by height Observed rocks Outflow channels Plains Valley network Valleys Gravity
Geology	Brain terrain Carbonates Chaos terrain Color Composition Concentric crater fill Dark slope streak Dichotomy Fretted terrain Geysers Glaciers Groundwater Gullies Lakes Lava tubes Lobate debris apron Marsquake Meteorites on Earth on Mars Mud cracks North Polar Basin Ocean hypothesis Ore resources Polar caps polar wander Recurring slope lineae (RSL) Ring mold craters Rootless cones Seasonal flows Soil Spherules Surface "Swiss cheese" feature Terrain softening Tharsis bulge Volcanism Water Yardangs
History	Amazonian Hesperian Noachian Observation history Classical albedo features

Astronomy

Moons	Phobos Stickney crater Monolith Deimos Swift crater Voltaire crater
Transits	Solar eclipses on Mars Satellite transits Phobos Deimos Planetary transits Earth Mercury
Asteroids	Impacts Mars-crossers 2007 WD5 Trojans 5261 Eureka 1998 VF₃₁ 1999 UJ₇ 2007 NS₂
Comets	C/2013 A1 (Siding Spring) (Mars close approach, 19 Oct 2014)
General	Orbit

Exploration

Concepts	Flyby Orbiter Landing Rover Sample return Human mission Permanent settlement Colonization Terraforming
Missions	List of missions to Mars
Advocacy	The Mars Project The Case for Mars Inspiration Mars Foundation Mars Institute Mars Society Mars race