@article{be9a72fcc1064e1185c74d9cc20588fa,
title = "Geological Characteristics and Targets of High Scientific Interest in the Zhurong Landing Region on Mars",
abstract = "We used imaging, laser altimeter and thermal infrared data to map a 0.5 by 0.5° area containing the landing site of the Zhurong rover of the Tianwen-1 mission. We analyzed the regional topography and thermophysical characteristics, and identified and characterized cones, impact craters, polygonal troughs, ridges and aeolian bedforms. An absolute model age of 757 ± 66 Ma was obtained for the major unit dominating the study area, younger than previous geological mapping results. We propose several targets of high scientific interest for Zhurong and a stratigraphic model composed of five layers (from bottom to top: Noachian basement, Early Hesperian volcanic ridged plains, Vastitas Borealis Formation materials, rocky materials and loose materials). The geomorphic features identified, the proposed stratigraphy and the regional geological evolution scenario set the stage for the Zhurong rover to continue to carry out its exploration of Mars.",
keywords = "China, Mars, Tianwen-1, Utopia Planitia, Zhurong",
author = "Jiannan Zhao and Zijun Xiao and Jun Huang and Head, {James W.} and Jiang Wang and Yutong Shi and Bo Wu and Le Wang",
note = "Funding Information: This study was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB 41000000), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41773061, 42002305, 41830214), the Pre-research Project on Civil Aerospace Technologies of CNSA (D020101), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (CUGL200801, CUG2106122) and the Teaching Research Project (2020A04). We appreciate editorial handling by Editor Prof. Andrew J. Dombard. The reviews by Prof. Steven W. Ruff and an anonymous reviewer greatly improved the manuscript. Funding Information: This study was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB 41000000), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41773061, 42002305, 41830214), the Pre‐research Project on Civil Aerospace Technologies of CNSA (D020101), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (CUGL200801, CUG2106122) and the Teaching Research Project (2020A04). We appreciate editorial handling by Editor Prof. Andrew J. Dombard. The reviews by Prof. Steven W. Ruff and an anonymous reviewer greatly improved the manuscript. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.",
year = "2021",
month = oct,
day = "28",
doi = "10.1029/2021GL094903",
language = "English",
volume = "48",
journal = "Geophysical Research Letters",
issn = "0094-8276",
publisher = "John Wiley and Sons Inc.",
number = "20",
}