A classification of closed depression types on Mars

People have been staring at Mars for centuries wondering about processes occurring there. As technology advances, information and understanding grow. The objective of this project is to identify the presence or absence, in the study areas, of water impacted geologic formations, such as karst topography and sinkholes. To do this, it is necessary to develop a classification system for closed depressions found on the Martian surface. The system utilizes research from numerous sources, but is adapted to the unique gravity of Mars. Two areas of Mars, representing a broad variety of environments and surface ages, were chosen for analysis. Closed depressions present in the study areas were analyzed topologically. A total of 3,276 closed depressions were identified with polygons and grouped according to the system created. Structures were found that cannot be placed into the current system. Further research is needed to determine what these depressions signify about Martian geology.