19th International Sedimentological Conference, Geneva, Switzerland, August 2014
http://www.sedimentologists.org/meetings/isc

Gian Gabriele Ori, Clara Mangili

Data and images from recent planetary missions show that sedimentary processes shaped the surface of many planetary bodies. The rovers on the surface of Mars observed sedimentary structures; orbiters around Mars show palaeolakes, rivers and deltas. Chemical conditions could have sustained the origin of life on the planet. While Mars’ rivers and lakes belong to the past, on Titan, its hydrocarbon lakes, rivers and seas, sedimentary processes are presently at work.

Sedimentology appears to be a key in interpreting the geological history of planetary bodies. Even on the Moon, many surficial processes can be discussed in sedimentological terms. The interpretation of these sedimentary deposits gives us indications for reconstructing past climate conditions on Mars and Titan and a better key to understand also Earth’s past and future.

This session invites contribution on extraterrestrial sedimentology, in particular, based on Mars and Titan observations. Earth analogues, a key in understanding the planetary processes, are also addressed.

The session accepts all contributions dealing with different depositional environments, sedimentary sequences, facies models, as well as technological and operational aspects of the planetary exploration.