New Elements on Stratigraphy of South Polar Layered Deposits on Promethei Lingula Region and a Possible Structural Approach

Introduction: South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) have been analyzed by several authors [1,2,3, 4] in order to describe mayor layers sequences using visible images [1,2,3,4] and sounding radar datasets (Mars Express MARSIS and MRO ShaRAD [1,2]), defining different units. [1] mapped three main SPLD units through several distinctive erosion-resistant marker beds or packets of layers. In particular [1] defined a PLL sequence, made up of a series of thin layers and mainly found on Promethei Lingula (PL) region and an uppermost and younger sequence (BFL), previously described by [3] and characterized by multiple erosion-resistant layers forming pitted topographic benches separated by multiple thin layers [1]. This unit was not found on PL site [1]. SPLD depositional history was complex both spatially and temporally. SPLD was involved in several erosional events, marked by regional unconformities within layer sequences. These discontinuities are locally exposed at different elevations [1,4]. Some of them seem to be consistent with subsurface reflections observed on ShaRAD and MARSIS radargrams [2,5].