VARIATIONS IN PALEO-DISCHARGE ESTIMATES WITHIN MARTIAN OUTBURST CHANNELS

The purpose study identifies the magnitude of variations in estimated paleo-discharge (Q) in Martian outburst channels using several methodologies. Based on our analyses, the Darcy-Weisbach (D-W) method provides the most consistent reconstructed flow. Q estimates of Martian outburst channels within various regions have been measured since the early 1970s using different methodologies such as applying assorted versions of the Manning (M) equation or the Darcy-Weisbach (D-W) friction factor in order to assess flow velocities along with analyzing various visible and infrared images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and other orbiting satellites. By analyzing the data from these past studies we aim to determine the role individual approaches played in the the resulting Q estimates. This was achieved by looking at values of channel roughness. Additional analyses are underway that include estimates of width, flow depth and velocity, and slope used in the flow reconstructions. The correlation coefficient between Q and width (r2=0.69) show the strongest relationship. Conversely, the correlation coefficient between Q and velocity (r2=0.21) shows the weakest relationship. Future research will focus on envelope curves for each of the parameters listed above. These curves may aid ongoing efforts to constrain paleo-discharge estimations on Mars.