Structural analysis of Ariel’s surface

This study investigates the structural geology of Uranus’ moon Ariel using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and image mosaics derived from Voyager 2 Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) data. The primary objective is to analyze the geometry, orientation, and deformation styles of Ariel’s major tectonic features to infer the stress regime that shaped its icy lithosphere. We performed geological mapping and quantitative measurements of fault dip and azimuth on DEMs using VRGS software. The results reveal a regionally coherent NE-SW tectonic trend, consistent with extensional deformation driven by global expansion or past tidal stress. Structural analysis identifies distinct styles: Kewpie, Brownie, and Korrigan Chasmata exhibit low dip angles (<25°), indicative of low-detachment faulting above a weak, volatile-rich substrate. In contrast, asymmetrical grabens, such as Pixie and Kra Chasmata, display opposing faults with markedly different dips, suggesting directional, uneven strain distribution. The Kachina Group Chasmata demonstrates the greatest structural variability, reflecting heterogeneous deformation.