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Journal of Desert Research ›› 2022, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 14-24.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2022.00004

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Study on the desert inverted channels and its implication for the study of the analogue on Mars

Aimin Liang1(), Zhibao Dong1(), Zhengcai Zhang2, Zhizhu Su3, Chao Li1, Zhi Zhang1, Ping Lv1   

  1. 1.Planetary Aeolian Research Institute / School of Geography and Tourism,Shaanxi Normal University,Xi′an 710119,China
    2.Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Lanzhou 730000,China
    3.School of History and Culture,Shanxi University,Taiyuan 030006,China
  • Received:2022-01-08 Revised:2022-01-27 Online:2022-09-20 Published:2022-09-22
  • Contact: Zhibao Dong

Abstract:

Desert inverted channel is a special river-liked positive landform in arid land, which contains information of significant environmental change that results in riverbed revising. Following the geomorphology law, this study investigated desert inverted channels around the world based on the published literature and our field observation. We summarized its spatial distribution, morphological characteristics, material composition, sedimentary structure and formation mechanism. Generally, inverted channels developed in the main sand seas around world. Its surface is composed of debris or cemented materials, subsurface consist of sandy-clay materials with a relatively soft texture. Due to the differential erosion of the sediments in the riverbed and riverbank, the riverbed is relatively elevated. Although some progress has been made in the study of deserts inverted channels on Earth, further research needs to be carried out in terms of their formation age and climatic significance. Meanwhile, more studies should be carried out to compare with the different types of inverted channels on Mars. This will provide important basis for revealing the hydrological activities and environmental changes on Mars.

Key words: inverted channels, desert, Mars, formation mechanism

CLC Number: