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The Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) is an enigmatic sedimentary unit near theequator of Mars, with an uncertain formation process and absolute age. Due tothe heavily wind-eroded surface, it is difficult to determine the absolutemodel age of the MFF using a one-parameter model based on the cratersize-frequency distribution function with existing crater count data. We createa new two-parameter model that estimates both age and a constant erosion rate($\beta$) by treating cratering as a random Poisson process. Our study uses newcrater count data collected from Context Camera imagery for both the MFF andother young equatorial sedimentary rock. Based on our new model, the CentralMFF formed $>$1.5 Gyr ago and had low erosion rates ($<$650 nm yr$^{-1}$),whereas the East MFF, Far East MFF, and Zephyria Planum most likely formed$<$1.5 Gyr ago and had higher erosion rates ($>$740 nm $^{-1}$). The top ofAeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp) in Gale Crater and Eastern Candorhave relatively young ages and low erosion rates. Based on the estimatederosion rates (since fast erosion permits metastable shallow ice), we alsoidentify several sites, including Zephyria Planum, as plausible locations forshallow subsurface equatorial water ice that is detectable by gamma-rayspectroscopy or neutron spectroscopy. In addition to confirming $<$1.5 Gyrsedimentary rock formations on Mars, and distinguishing older and younger MFFsites, we find that fast-eroding locations have younger ages and MFF locationswith slower erosion have older best-fit ages.

The Age and Erosion Rate of Young Sedimentary Rock on Mars