Study 3: Avian formation on a South-facing slope along the Northwest rim of the Argyre Basin

by:

Wilmer C. Faust
Keith Laney
William R. Saunders
George J. Haas
James S. Miller

 

Contributing DVMs:

Doctor A. J. Cole
Doctor Joseph M. Friedlander

CONTENTS

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Abstract – James S. Miller
This is a description of a feature that rests against a web of structural components found on a mound within the Argyre Basin of Mars in Mars Global Surveyor image M1402185 (Figure1 below). There are defining aspects of this feature, which when taken together induce the visual impression of an avian formation. Adjoining this formation is a composite of cellular features that form a compartmentalized infrastructure. The topography and the geology of the formation is examined and compared to a random example of circular mounds and sediment ponds found in the Dao Vallis Region.

 

A list of other sites is provided that is similar in nature but do not produce a similar feature. Two veterinarians provide a critical analysis of the avian features and an independent geo-scientist provides an analysis of the topographical mechanisms required to shape these features. Finally an overview of the topography is given.


This analysis will indicate that there are too many avian features present in this formation to suggest that it was the result of random forces. Natural forces in the area are seasonal and have occurred over the millennium. In only 6 years of natural weathering occurring in the same sequence the odds of an isolated effect would be 1 in 46,656. Otherwise, it is 1 in 36 if it occurs only once.

 

The basic underlying question is; what are the chances of seasonal effects occurring only once? In other words, the avian formation appears to have permanence. No possible combinations of natural influences on the landscape could have altered the image without erasing some part of the feature. The overall impression of this feature as opposed to those, which are found naturally occurring, is that this approaches a work of art in its completeness. A terrestrial comparison is also offered, suggesting an aesthetic origin.

 

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History – Keith Laney
On March 7, 2002 independent researcher Wilmer Faust presented an odd hillock formation captured in MOC image M1402185, to our attention. The rectangular areas along the upper edge of the hillock on an S-facing slope along the Northwest rim of the huge Argyre Basin are what interested him most. Faust noted compartmentalized structural features throughout its topography including a formation reminiscent of a gigantic bird.


Images showing the feature and obtained for this study were processed from raw data imq files via MSSS, subjected to the same established procedures used in the processing of the MER2003 landing site selection MOCs. MOC images, though high quality, rarely decompress from IMQ into a quality high enough for detailed viewing. The compression artifacts, data drops, and streaking inherent due to the nature of the camera and data transferal methods are actually only a slight hindrance. They can be removed from the images with a little finesse and the appropriate software.


What follows are general steps used in decompressing, de-streaking, clarifying, contrast adjusting and optimizing MOC images into file size manageable yet quality .PNGs.


Processing Steps

1. Decompression
Decompress the .imq or .img file using the software of your choice. A preliminary visual evaluation of the image can be done now. Proceed to save it in uncompressed format for further processing.


2. Dealing with Dropouts (if applicable)
Open the image in image editing software.

* If the image is error free, and clear of data drops (bands that run across the images in black/white strips or “fuzz”) save it as a .raw file, and note the image size (***x***** pixels)
[or]

* If error bands or other data drops are visible further steps must be taken as follows:

. Using the select tool set on rectangular shape, surround the errors and cut these damaged areas from the darker albedo images, or . Flood fill color them in solid black on higher albedo images. . Save these corrected images as a .raw image and note the image size (***x*****)

You lose those areas, but they are damaged and unusable anyway. Take care to get them all. Left there they spread through the histogram and distort the de-streaking and adjusting process.


3. De-streaking
The raw image is then de-streaked using a comb filter.


4. Final Enhancement

The resulting de-streaked image is then opened in imaging software and finely tuned.


Apply clarifying, contrast & gamma adjusting, sharpening and various other filters gently, noting the results on the histogram as the grayscale potential begins to take good shape, with the surface details becoming clearer and better defined as the albedo differences are defined more sharply. The image was saved in PNG format and minimal compression.


Final Notes
The average human eye has the ability to differentially recognize between 12 to 16 shades of grey . Best results are to be had when the widest variety of these 12 shades is distributed evenly across the image.


After processing, the images were then aspect corrected using the figures given in the image’s ancillary data, oriented N/S, and file size optimized. All images in this study have been aspect corrected but not map projected, which was unnecessary to the content.

Figure 1
The Parrotopia Complex (M1402185)
Image courtesy Keith Laney


Note the profile of a full-bodied bird at the upper most portion of this strip. The image is presented north south oriented and the feature is boxed in yellow. It should be noted here that NASA provides a north south orientation and a version as seen by the camera as it passes over the surface. This means that the image is oriented in both directions on the NASA site.
 

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Avian Geoglyph at Argyre Basin – Wilmer C. Faust
The following descriptions denote the anatomical features of the proposed parrot formation that are detected within the source image M1402185 (Figure 2). Starting at the head the mandibles appear correctly shaped and illustrate typically serrated aspects in the appropriate locations.

 

The mandibles appear hinged and partially opened, revealing a tongue feature nested in the upper beak. There is evidence of a cere, just behind the upper mandible, with the suggestion of a nostril.


The eye appears correctly positioned and illustrates its typical aspect when a parrot is looking forward as viewed from the side. The remainder of the frontal and lateral aspects of the head gives the visual impression of a light colored eye patch, which is a very prominent aspect of many parrots.


Behind the hood line of the neck is the main body of the bird. In comparing the shape of the breast to the exposed back between the wing covers, to the wing cover size itself, the head size and the overall body length appears correctly proportioned. The wing covers are remarkable in their accuracy, in particular the lie of the feathers when the wings are folded.
 

The left leg structure is represented with a visible clawed foot. Finally, the area that forms the tail feathers is somewhat less distinct. This is due in part to the fact that a portion of the tail feathers are cut off by the edge of the source image providing only a suggestion of such a feature.

Figure 2
The Avian Formation
(Detailed crop of M1402185)
Image courtesy Keith Laney
 

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Geological analysis – William R. Saunders
This area contains many non-conforming and complex features (Figure 1) however it is the parrot-like formation that is of most interest and will be discussed here. The avian structure in question is composed of five segments: the beak, the head, the neck, the body including left wing and tail feathers and the legs/feet (Figure 3). These segments are differentiated by structure, albedo effect, patterning and possibly lithology.

Figure 3
Five Segments of the Avian Formation
(Detailed crop of M1402185 with line annotations by William R. Saunders)
Image courtesy Keith Laney


The central mound (according to the veterinarian’s analysis) which forms the body, left wing and tail is most likely composed of sandstone or siltstone and has striations which give the impression of feathering. Initial interpretation is that these markings are caused by erosion of horizontal stratigraphy by lateral water action or wind erosion. It would seem that an almost cyclonic wind action occurring at one place over a long period of time would be needed to form the circular “feathered” wing striations.

 

The surrounding dunes however, indicate prevailing winds from west to east which would not expose the east side of the mound to abrasive wind erosion. It would seem that an almost cyclonic wind action occurring at one place over a long period of time would be needed to form the circular “feathered” wing striations. Another hindrance to this explanation is that this type of violent wind process or the necessary water action is not evident elsewhere in the surrounding area.
 

The upper portion of the neck (Figure 5 F) is obscured by talus or mass flow material from the mound. The lower portion of the neck appears to be a continuation of the mound; however its multi-layered truncation is irregular and does not conform to the layering pattern seen in the body/wing.

 

If this irregular edge were caused by folding there should be evidence of disturbance on either side, which there is not. The texture and albedo of the face (Figure 6 L) is anomalous to the area and shows no evidence of fluvial or wind erosion or deposition consistent with what would be necessary to form the striations seen on the body. There is a large mound or pyramidal structure exactly positioned in the location of an eye (Figure 5 &6 C). Shadow highlights this effect.


The lithology of the beak appears to be an isolated composition with irregular patterning on its surface (Figure 4). What could be considered to be cross faulting and or block faulting conveniently separates the beak from the face and forms the mouth, tongue and crown. Evidence that faulting has occurred at all is indeed arguable as it would have to be extremely localized and multi-directional as there is no evidence of faulting in the dunes around this feature.

Figure 4
Multi-Directional Contours
(Detailed crop of M1402185 with line annotations by William R. Saunders)
Image courtesy Keith Laney


Another anomalous aspect to this parrot-like structure is the dark material beneath it that extends from the feet to beyond the beak (Figure 5 N & H). This dark material appears to be aeolian detritus. It is suggested that this material is composed of iron pistolite weathered from the mound. This material has an air brushed appearance and does not form dunes. If it is wind deposited, its trapping mechanism is suspect.


Lastly the legs/feet (Figure 5 O, N, P) are note worthy in that one would anticipate the composition to be of the same material as the body and tail, however their structure is multi directional and generally perpendicular to the body and tail. Conveniently for the viewer, neither the dunes nor the dark material obscure them. It has been suggested that faulting, possibly active, is at work forming the legs and feet.

 

Once again the faulting would have to be conveniently localized.


In conclusion, given the lack of similar lithology and evidence of similar geo-processes in the immediate area, this structure is indeed anomalous. Numerous geomorphologic and geological processes; including, non-extensive, multi-directional faulting, erosion and, deposition all occurring at exactly the right place and time would be needed to produce this structure.

 

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Veterinarian Analyses of the Anatomical features of the Avian formation – Doctor A.J. Cole and Doctor Joseph M. Friedlander
Two veterinarians have examined this avian feature exhibited within the Argyre Basin. The first doctor was aware of prior theories of artificial objects on Mars, while the second doctor had no prior awareness of any theories of artificial objects on Mars. Both doctors impartially and independently evaluated the features of the proposed avian formation, having access to both a printed hard copy and computer-displayed image of the complete formation.

Doctor A.J. Cole:

Jackson Veterinarian Hospital, Jackson, New Jersey


There are distinct anatomical similarities to the features found on the formation located at Argyre Basin and the avian species. Centrally there appears to be a midstructural breast and abdomen with protruding structures resembling primary flight feathers with feather shafts attached to the dorsal aspect of the image. On the left (rostral) aspect of the structure there is a resemblance to head and facial features ending at the nape of the neck. The head includes a lateral left eye, a hinged beak with a blunted tongue between a parted lower mandible. Between the “eye” structure and beak there is an arching structure resembling a cere without evidence of a nostril that may be obscured by a crest or comb feature.

 

Below the abdomen (ventrocaudally) there appears to be a claw feature consisting of a three or four-toed foot with a bend at the equivalent of the tarsus. There is only a hint of a paired second foot, which is unresolved. The structural formation to the far right of the body (caudally) resembles tail feathers; however no inference can be made about a tapered or blunted tail in the available image. The following analytical drawing (Figure 5) identifies a set of 17 points of confirmation that Veterinarian A.J. Cole believes provides evidence that the formation at Argyre Basin not only represents an avian creature, but it’s sculptured features appear anatomically correct.

Figure 5
Parrotopia Formation
Analytical Drawing with notations by Doctor A.J. Cole.
Drawing by George J. Haas
(Image source: M1402185)
A. Cere. B. Crest. C. Eye. D. Primary Flight Feathers (right wing). E. Feather Shafts F. Hood Line (neck). G. Body (folded left wing). H. Beak. I. Tongue. J. Jaw. K. Head. L Abdomen. M. Claw. N. Foot and Toes. O. Tarsus Joint. P. Tibia. Q. Tail Feathers.


 

Doctor Joseph M Friedlander:
Adamston Veterinarian Clinic, Brick, New Jersey


Examination of the formation at Argyre Basin reveals features of the avian species. Rostrally (left), one can visualize the beak with its maxilla mandible surrounding the tongue. Features of the head are clearly visible. The cere is noted dorsal to the maxilla. The orbit, papillary margin and opening of the external ear canal are evident. The head looks featherless. Down feathers are seen in the cervical area. Visualized in the thoracic region is the left wing folded in a natural position. Primary feathers cover this region. Ventrally is the pectoral area ending at the point of the keel.

 

Caudally (to the right) is the abdomen and left pelvic limb. Three digits, tarsometatarsus and tibiotartus are visible. The photograph includes the proximal portion of tail feathers. Just rostral and dorsal to the tail feathers is a change in feather pattern of the pygostyle (prcen gland). The following analytical drawing (Figure 6) identifies a set of 10 points of confirmation that Veterinarian Joseph M. Friedlander believes provides evidence that the formation at Argyre Basin not only represents an avian creature, but its sculptured features appear anatomically correct.

Figure 6
Parrotopia Formation
Analytical Drawing with notations by Doctor A.J. Cole.
Drawing by George J. Haas
(Image source: M1402185)
A.Cere. B. Part of Crown. C. Eye. D. Ear. E. Down Feathers F. Folded Wing.
G. Preen Gland H. Tail Feathers. I. Maxilla. J. Tongue. K. Mandible. L. Face.
M. Abdomen. N. Digits. O. Tarsometatarsus. P. Tibiotartus

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Comparison of a random feature on Mars at Argyre Basin – William R. Saunders
Conducting a random search of the surrounding area of Argyre Basin no suitable comparative features were found. Subsequently a search was expanded to the outer regions, in which a comparable feature was found with similar contours within the Dao Vallis region of Mars. The comparable mound feature from Dao Vallis is displayed in Figure 7 and a cropped portion of the Argyre Basin formation is displayed in Figure 2.

 

The appearance of sand furrowing indicates water has surrounded both of these landforms in the past leaving island remnants. The mound from the Dao Vallis region shows a typical oval shape expected from the movement of water around the feature with a slightly truncated left side and a small point bar on the right. In contrast, the multiple features exhibited in the formation found at the Argyre Basin area do not present the same expected characteristics.

 

There is no truncation on either side, nor is a point bar formation present. The formation at Argyre Basin (Figure 2) also has what would appear at first to be multilayered strand lines that are not present on the mound at Dao Vallis. The conclusion being that the formation at Argyre Basin has undergone post fluvial alteration.

Figure 7
Mound Formation at Dao Vallis
Crop from MOC Image R1502471 – rotated right 90°
Image courtesy of Keith Laney
 

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Aesthetic analysis – George J. Haas
The formation at Argyre Basin appears to be the result of a composite structure of unrelated geological materials that were altered to express the prominent features of an avian creature. The topographical features appear to include an oval shaped mound that conforms to the shape and size of a bird’s body including a folded left wing (Figure 5G). Adjoining features to the left side of the body-shaped mound suggest a composite of structural elements that resemble a bird’s head (Figure 5K). The head includes an eye formation (Figure 5C) and a parted beak (Figure 5H) with a fleshy wattle-like crest (Figure 5B). Additional elements form an extended left leg (Figure 5 O&P) and clawed foot (Figure 5 M&N).

 

There is also evidence of an extended right wing along the back (Figure 5D) and tail feathers (Figure 5Q) that may extend beyond the image. The majority of comparative examples of manipulated terrestrial geology come to us in the form of earthworks that were created by ancient cultures throughout North and South America. Because there are a limited number of examples of animal and figurative earthworks in the available database, only two meet the criteria of this study with comparable detail and content.


The first is a 5,000-year-old eagle shaped Geoglyph located in the town of Eatonton Georgia. A bed of quartz stones form a silhouette of an eagle hovering within a circular mound. The body measures over 100 feet from head to tail and has a wingspan of over 120 feet (Figure 8). The overall shape of the eagle is symmetrical in design, featuring a set of out stretched wings, tail feathers and a head that faces eastward.

 

As seen in the illustration, its contours project only the simplest form of a bird without providing additional details.

Figure 8
Eagle Effigy Mound: Eatonton Georgia
Drawing by George J. Haas
(Image source: National Geographic, vol.142, no.6, page 784)
 

A second example of an avian earthwork is etched on a hillside in the Peruvian Andes, not far from the famous Nazca lines. The Peruvian pictograph is formed by a set of conjoined lines that create the impression of a standing bird (Figure 9). Although the awkward shape of the Peruvian pictograph is not anatomically correct, the overwhelming consensus is that it indeed represents the generic form of a small bird.

Figure 9
Bird Pictograph Nazca.
Drawing by George J. Haas

 

If this simple mound and hillside rendering are accepted as intentional works of art by aerial observations, then it would be reasonable to say that the formal organization expressed within the Martian feature is not the result of mere chance. This is beyond the modeling of relief sculpture and there are no terrestrial Geoglyphs that induce such a visual impression, as seen within the avian formation at Argyre Basin.

 

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Regional Context -Wilmer C. Faust


The site of the complex of features we have identified lies within the northwest quadrant of the Argyre Basin, which is centered on the planet Mars at about 50 degrees south latitude, 43 degrees west longitude Figure 12. The result of an ancient impact, the Argyre Basin is the second largest cratered landform in the southern hemisphere of the planet. It is ringed by ramparts rising several kilometers above its central plain, known today as Argyre Planitia, and is of roughly circular but somewhat irregular outline likely resulting from environmental alteration subsequent to the primary impact event.

Figure 12
MOC planetary map showing the location of the M14 Series of images with the exact location of M1402185

Annotated by Jim Miller Original map at this address:
 NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

 

The encompassing Basin scarps and bluffs are in turn surrounded by the generally more greatly elevated Southern Highlands. Within the Basin is found a prominent but much fragmented zone of rugged elevations, the Neiridium Montes, mainly concentric with and extending from or near to the defining ramparts approximately one-quarter of the diameter of the Basin towards the central plain.

 

The Neiridium Montes are sufficiently prominent to give a geophysical character possibly unique on Mars to the Basin itself, with prominent elevations alternating with much lower institial plains and valleys more closely approximating the lower elevations of Argyre Planitia. See Figure 13 for a graphic depiction of this description.

Figure 13
MOLA image of Argyre Basin

(Annotated Map by Wil Faust)

 

From a previously published study based on topographic data produced by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument (MOLA), it is now known that at least once and perhaps more often the Argyre Basin was an outflow source of water which emptied through a sequence of lower-lying landforms toward the north-northeast (Figure 13). A thorough assessment of the archaeohydrology of the Argyre Basin is beyond the scope of the present examination. It is important here to note that this area is near an inferred old polar cap, and some of the geology is remarkably similar to southern Polar Regions.


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Conclusion - Wilmer C. Faust, Jim Miller, George J. Haas, William R. Saunders

The overall impression of this area is that regardless of the nature of the rock and sediment, the nature of depositional and erosional forces, the avian formation is indeed an anomalous structure when compared with the rest of the topography. While there are known geological mechanisms that could have created the anatomical accuracies presented in this formation, it is highly unlikely that the entopic effects of environmental degradation could have produced such prominent orientations and postural representations at the same time, in the same place within a 1.5 square mile area.

 

With respect to the modeling of these anatomical features the visual perceptions of this avian formation suggest it’s the result of an organized design as opposed to an illusionary projection. Therefore it is conceivable that this avian formation was originally a natural landform that was artificially modified to illustrate all the required features and details of a recognizable bird.

 

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Biographical information about the authors:

  • Wilmer C. Faust III acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Dartmouth College, NH, and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Penn State Harrisburg. He co-founded the Historic Harrisburg Association and his memberships to scientific and research organizations include the American Institute of City Planners, Harrisburg Astronomical Society, SETI, Anomaly Hunters and Project Teardrop.

  • George J. Haas is a sculptor and a former director of the Sculptors’ Association of New Jersey. He is a member of both The Pre-Columbian Society at the University of Pennsylvania and The Pre-Columbian Art Research Institute in San Francisco California and is the co-author of the book The Cydonia Codex - Reflections from Mars.

  • Keith Laney is a digital-imaging and software applications specialist, known for his imaging contributions to NASA History, the MER2003 Rover missions and NASA’s Landing Sites Project. He is also working on the complete Apollo program image archives for NASA/JPL

  • Jim Miller is an independent researcher and the founder of a Mars research group where this feature was first presented and discussed. He has also written and edited several company newsletters.

  • William R. Saunders graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in geomorphology. He currently works as a petroleum geoscience consultant in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is the co-author of the book The Cydonia Codex - Reflections from Mars.

Contributor:

Keith Phillips is an engineer. He worked at 7 different Silicon Valley startup companies as a manufacturing engineer, engineering supervisor, applications engineer, applications engineering supervisor, technical support supervisor and microwave and semiconductor engineer.

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FOOTNOTES:

  • Keith Phillips provided the mathematical, statistical computations NASAView 2.5.8 or equivalent decompression software recommended Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop recommended Comb2 or Mocomatic digital image comb filter recommended
    http://www.engr.udayton.edu/faculty/jloomis/ece563/notes/color/GrayScale/grays.html

    http://chesapeake.towson.edu/data/all_image.asp
     

  • The following list represents the data set of MOC images that were examined by George J. Haas, Jim Miller and William R. Saunders in an effort to locate a comparable image to the Parrotopia formation observed in MOC image M1402185.

     

    Those images include:

    • M04-00606 North facing slope of crater.

    • M04-00926 Argyre Basin rim.

    • M13-00036 North Western Argyre Basin.

    • M13-00220 SW Argyre Planitia.

    • M13-00471 Traverse of Mountains W of Argyre Planitia.

    • M20-00992 sample terrain in SW Argyre Rim Mountains.

    • R15-01672 North Central Argyre Basin.

    • R15-01571 sample mountain plain west of Argyre.

    • R15-01194 North Eastern Argyre Planitia.
       

  • Wilmer Faust wrote his sections of the paper prior to his untimely death on 7/25/2005. There were extensive descriptions and dissertations regarding the Argyre Basin, its hydrology and possible theories for the placement of this feature in this location. All of this material was beyond the scope of this paper but is preserved on a web site dedicated to the continued research of this feature.

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