DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Patrick Matthews
This Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report has been prepared for Corrective Action Unit 371, Johnnie Boy Crater and Pin Stripe, located within Areas 11 and 18 at the Nevada Test Site, Nevada, in accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO). Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 371 comprises two corrective action sites (CASs): • 11-23-05, Pin Stripe Contamination Area • 18-45-01, U-18j-2 Crater (Johnnie Boy) The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 371 based on the implementation of correctivemore » actions. The corrective action of closure in place with administrative controls was implemented at both CASs. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed from January 8, 2009, through February 16, 2010, as set forth in the Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 371: Johnnie Boy Crater and Pin Stripe. The approach for the CAI was divided into two facets: investigation of the primary release of radionuclides and investigation of other releases (migration in washes and chemical releases). The purpose of the CAI was to fulfill data needs as defined during the data quality objective (DQO) process. The CAU 371 dataset of investigation results was evaluated based on the data quality indicator parameters. This evaluation demonstrated the dataset is acceptable for use in fulfilling the DQO data needs. Analytes detected during the CAI were evaluated against final action levels (FALs) established in this document. Radiological doses exceeding the FAL of 25 millirem per year were not found to be present in the surface soil. However, it was assumed that radionuclides are present in subsurface media within the Johnnie Boy crater and the fissure at Pin Stripe. Due to the assumption of radiological dose exceeding the FAL, corrective actions were undertaken that consist of implementing a use restriction and posting warning signs at each site. These use restrictions were recorded in the FFACO database; the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office (NNSA/NSO) Facility Information Management System; and the NNSA/NSO CAU/CAS files. Therefore, NNSA/NSO provides the following recommendations: • No further corrective actions are necessary for CAU 371. • A Notice of Completion to NNSA/NSO is requested from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for closure of CAU 371. • Corrective Action Unit 371 should be moved from Appendix III to Appendix IV of the FFACO.« less
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Sullivan, Michael
2004-01-01
It's not that boys can not read, they just do not read. Study after study reveals that boys read less than girls. And according to the U.S. Department of Education, school-age boys tend to read a grade and a half lower than girls. How can librarians get guys to turn the page? For starters, they need to move beyond their traditional "here is a book…
An Aerial Radiological Survey of Selected Areas of Area 18 - Nevada Test Site
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Craig Lyons
As part of the proficiency training for the Radiological Mapping mission of the Aerial Measuring System (AMS), a survey team from the Remote Sensing Laboratory-Nellis (RSL-Nellis) conducted an aerial radiological survey of selected areas of Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) for the purpose of mapping man-made radiation deposited as a result of the Johnnie Boy and Little Feller I tests. The survey area centered over the Johnnie Boy ground zero but also included the ground zero and deposition area of the Little Feller I test, approximately 7,000 feet (2133 meters) southeast of the Johnnie Boy site. Themore » survey was conducted in one flight. The completed survey covered a total of 4.0 square miles. The flight lines (with the turns) over the surveyed areas are presented in Figure 1. One 2.5-hour-long flight was performed at an altitude of 100 ft above ground level (AGL) with 200 foot flight-line spacing. A test-line flight was conducted near the Desert Rock Airstrip to ensure quality control of the data. The test line is not shown in Figure 1. However, Figure 1 does include the flight lines for a ''perimeter'' flight. The path traced by the helicopter flying over distinct roads within the survey area can be used to overlay the survey data on a base map or image. The flight survey lines were flown in an east-west orientation perpendicular to the deposition patterns for both sites. This technique provides better spatial resolution when contouring the data. The data were collected by the AMS data acquisition system (REDAR V) using an array of twelve 2-inch x 4-inch x 16-inch sodium iodide (NaI) detectors flown on-board a twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter. Data, in the form of gamma energy spectra, were collected every second over the course of the survey and were geo-referenced using a differential Global Positioning System. Spectral data allows the system to distinguish between ordinary fluctuations in natural background radiation levels and the signature produced by man-made radioisotopes. Spectral data can also identify specific radioactive isotopes. Based on the results of the RSL NTS 1994 surveys, this area was chosen for a resurvey to improve the spatial resolution of the reported depositions for the Johnnie Boy and Little Feller I events. In addition, the survey was expected to confirm the absence of detectable concentrations of Americium-241 (Am-241) at the Johnnie Boy site and attempt to confirm the presence of Uranium-235 (U-235).« less
Introducing Music to the Hearing-Impaired.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Jahns, Elke
2001-01-01
Describes an independent music therapy project where the author worked with an 11-year-old boy, Johnny, who had recently become profoundly deaf. States that the goals were to master basic playing of an instrument and proficiency in reading notes and rhythms. (CMK)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Patrick Matthews
Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 371 is located in Areas 11 and 18 of the Nevada Test Site, which is approximately 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. Corrective Action Unit 371 is comprised of the two corrective action sites (CASs) listed below: • 11-23-05, Pin Stripe Contamination Area • 18-45-01, U-18j-2 Crater (Johnnie Boy) These sites are being investigated because existing information on the nature and extent of potential contamination is insufficient to evaluate and recommend corrective action alternatives. Additional information will be obtained by conducting a corrective action investigation before evaluating corrective action alternatives and selecting the appropriate correctivemore » action for each CAS. The results of the field investigation will support a defensible evaluation of viable corrective action alternatives that will be presented in the Corrective Action Decision Document. The sites will be investigated based on the data quality objectives (DQOs) developed on November 19, 2008, by representatives of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection; U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office; Stoller-Navarro Joint Venture; and National Security Technologies, LLC. The DQO process was used to identify and define the type, amount, and quality of data needed to develop and evaluate appropriate corrective actions for CAU 371. Appendix A provides a detailed discussion of the DQO methodology and the DQOs specific to each CAS. The scope of the corrective action investigation for CAU 371 includes the following activities: • Move surface debris and/or materials, as needed, to facilitate sampling. • Conduct radiological surveys. • Measure in situ external dose rates using thermoluminescent dosimeters or other dose measurement devices. • Collect and submit environmental samples for laboratory analysis to determine internal dose rates. • Combine internal and external dose rates to determine whether total dose rates exceed final action levels (FALs). • Collect and submit environmental samples for laboratory analysis to determine whether chemical contaminants are present at concentrations exceeding FALs. • If contamination exceeds FALs, define the extent of the contamination exceeding FALs. • Investigate waste to determine whether potential source material is present. This Corrective Action Investigation Plan has been developed in accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order that was agreed to by the State of Nevada; U.S. Department of Energy; and U.S. Department of Defense. Under the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, this Corrective Action Investigation Plan will be submitted to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for approval. Fieldwork will be conducted following approval of the plan.« less
Why Johnny Can't Learn to Read, or Sex Differences in Education.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Caukins, Sivan E.
Beginning with the observation that sex differences affecting the learning process have largely been ignored in our schools, this dissertation reviews literature on the differences in learning characteristics of boys and girls and proposes a proprioceptor stimulation or multisensory approach of teaching. The author maintains that kinesthetic…
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Cimpian, Andrei; Markman, Ellen M.
2011-01-01
These studies investigate how the distinction between generic sentences (e.g., "Boys are good at math") and nongeneric sentences (e.g., "Johnny is good at math") shapes children's social cognition. These sentence types are hypothesized to have different implications about the source and nature of the properties conveyed. Specifically, generics may…
Operation Sun Beam, Shot Small Boy. Project Officers report. Project 1. 9. Crater measurements
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rooke, A.D.; Davis, L.K.; Strange, J.N.
1985-09-01
The objectives of Project 1.9 were to obtain the dimensions of the apparent and true craters formed by the Small Boy event and to measure the permanent earth deformation occurring beyond the true crater boundary. Measurements were made of the apparent crater by aerial stereophotography and ground survey and of the true crater and subsurface zones of residual deformation by the excavation and mapping of an array of vertical, colored sand columns which were placed along one crater diameter prior to the shot. The results of the crater exploration are discussed, particularly the permanent compression of the medium beneath themore » true crater which was responsible for the major portion of the apparent and true crater volumes. Apparent and true crater dimensions are compared with those of previous cratering events.« less
Johnny Appleseed Comes to Class
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Coffman, Margaret; Peggy, Liggit
2005-01-01
Just imagine the excitement in the classroom when Johnny Appleseed strides in. Barefoot and dressed in a burlap sack, he-well, actually, it's you dressed up as Johnny-wears a tin pan for a hat and smiles as he relates the reason for his visit. Fall is apple season, and he's here to explain how all the beautiful fall apples were produced. The story…
Visible-Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer Data of Explosion Craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Farr, T. G.
2005-01-01
In a continuing study to capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained new high resolution visible-near infrared images of several explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to obtain images in 224 spectral bands from 0.4-2.5 microns [1]. The main craters that were imaged were Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, Buggy, and Danny Boy [2]. The 390 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of the detonation of a 104 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a "simple" crater [2]. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology [3] and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also imaged by AVIRIS. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m, Fig. 1) craters were also important targets for AVIRIS as they were excavated in hard welded tuff and basaltic andesite, respectively [3, 4]. This variation in targets will allow the study of ejecta patterns, compositional modifications due to the explosions, and the role of craters as subsurface probes.
Should We Care that Johnny Can't Catch and Susie Can't Skip? What Should We Do about It?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Whitall, Jill; Clark, Jane E.
2011-01-01
Physical and sport educators care that Johnny and Susie cannot move as well as their peers. They try their best to improve their skill levels because they value participation and skillfulness in sport and physical activity. However, many times there is a deeper problem as to why Johnny or Susie cannot move as well as their peers. Physical and…
Johnny M Administrative Order on Consent
This Settlement Agreement provides for the performance of a removal action and the reimbursement of certain response costs incurred by the United States at or in connection with the Johnny M Mine Area.
High Resolution Digital Elevation Models of Pristine Explosion Craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Farr, T. G.; Krabill, W.; Garvin, J. B.
2004-01-01
In order to effectively capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained high resolution digital elevation models of several pristine explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Terrain Mapper (ATM), operated by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility to obtain DEMs with 1 m spacing and 10 cm vertical errors of 4 main craters and many other craters and collapse pits. The main craters that were mapped are Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, and Danny Boy. The 370 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of a controlled detonation of a 100 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a simple crater. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also mapped by ATM. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m) craters were also important targets for ATM as they were excavated in hard basalt and therefore have much rougher ejecta. This will allow study of ejecta patterns in hard rock as well as engineering tests of crater and rock avoidance and rover trafficability. In addition to the high resolution DEMs, crater geometric characteristics, RMS roughness maps, and other higher-order derived data products will be generated using these data. These will provide constraints for models of landing hazards on Mars and for rover trafficability. Other planned studies will include ejecta size-frequency distribution at the resolution of the DEM and at finer resolution through air photography and field measurements, correlation of ejecta size and composition with radar and visible-thermal IR remote sensing signatures, and comparison of these results with similar measurements of Mars. The final DEMs, ancillary data sets, and derived data products will be made available to the community.
"Johnny Poppers": a cause of serious ocular injury.
MacAndie, K; Kyle, P
1998-07-01
The causes of blunt ocular trauma are many and diverse. We present two cases of ocular injury caused by an unusual form of weapon called a "Johnny Popper". There follows a theoretical and experimental evaluation of the velocity of the projectiles fired by this device. A Johnny Popper was constructed under expert guidance. The elastic properties of the device were measured and this allowed calculation of a theoretical exit velocity of the projectiles fired. The weapon was subsequently fired under test conditions which permitted the exit velocity of the projectiles fired to be measured directly. The theoretical velocity of the projectiles was calculated as 80 ms-1 and the experimentally measured velocity was 57 ms-1. Johnny Poppers are a previously undescribed and unique form of home made weapon. They are intended for playful mischief, but have the potential to cause serious ocular trauma.
Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. d/b/a Johnny on the Spot
The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. for alleged violations at its Johnny on the Spot Service and Maintenance Facility located at 10011 Woodend Rd. in Edwardsville, KS.
Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. d/b/a Johnny on the Spot. - Clean Water Act Public Notice
The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. for alleged violations at its Johnny on the Spot Service and Maintenance Facility located at 10011 Woodend Rd. in Edwardsville, KS.
"Johnny Poppers": a cause of serious ocular injury
MacAndie, K.; Kyle, P.
1998-01-01
AIMS/BACKGROUND—The causes of blunt ocular trauma are many and diverse. We present two cases of ocular injury caused by an unusual form of weapon called a "Johnny Popper". There follows a theoretical and experimental evaluation of the velocity of the projectiles fired by this device. METHODS—A Johnny Popper was constructed under expert guidance. The elastic properties of the device were measured and this allowed calculation of a theoretical exit velocity of the projectiles fired. The weapon was subsequently fired under test conditions which permitted the exit velocity of the projectiles fired to be measured directly. RESULTS—The theoretical velocity of the projectiles was calculated as 80 ms-1 and the experimentally measured velocity was 57 ms-1. CONCLUSIONS—Johnny Poppers are a previously undescribed and unique form of home made weapon. They are intended for playful mischief, but have the potential to cause serious ocular trauma. Keywords: ocular trauma; projectiles PMID:9924377
Why Johnny Can't Read: An Applied Neurology Explanation Flesched Out.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Preen, Bryan S.; Townsend, Diana O.
1993-01-01
Suggests that "Johnny can't read" because of high testosterone levels in fetal development and subsequent poor brain lateralization. Presents instructional strategies based on the principle of factorized teaching for each of three discrete lateralization categories. Notes that the use of factorized teaching appears to have improved diagnostic and…
Heeeere's Johnny: A Case Study in the Five Factor Model of Personality
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Miserandino, Marianne
2007-01-01
I describe an assignment for personality psychology or introduction to psychology classes in which students used the Five Factor Model of personality to analyze the personality of entertainer Johnny Carson through his The New York Times obituary. Students evaluated this assignment highly: A majority indicated that the assignment was interesting,…
7 CFR 318.13-16 - Regulated articles allowed interstate movement subject to specified conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
...(s) Additionalrequirements Hawaii Bananas 1 Musa spp Fruit (b)(1)(i), (b)(2)(ii) Litchi Litchi..., johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) Pineapple 2 Ananas comosus Fruit... escuelentus Fruit (b)(3)(i) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2...
7 CFR 318.13-16 - Regulated articles allowed interstate movement subject to specified conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
...(s) Additionalrequirements Hawaii Bananas 1 Musa spp Fruit (b)(1)(i), (b)(2)(ii) Litchi Litchi..., johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) Pineapple 2 Ananas comosus Fruit... escuelentus Fruit (b)(3)(i) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2...
7 CFR 318.13-16 - Regulated articles allowed interstate movement subject to specified conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
...(s) Additionalrequirements Hawaii Bananas 1 Musa spp Fruit (b)(1)(i), (b)(2)(ii) Litchi Litchi..., johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) Pineapple 2 Ananas comosus Fruit... escuelentus Fruit (b)(3)(i) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2...
7 CFR 318.13-16 - Regulated articles allowed interstate movement subject to specified conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
...(s) Additionalrequirements Hawaii Bananas 1 Musa spp Fruit (b)(1)(i), (b)(2)(ii) Litchi Litchi..., johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) Pineapple 2 Ananas comosus Fruit... escuelentus Fruit (b)(3)(i) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2...
The Search for Meaning: How You Can Boost Kids' Reading Comprehension
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Grimes, Sharon
2004-01-01
A few years ago, most of the students at Lansdowne Elementary were struggling readers: while many could recognize words, half were unable to under stand the stories they'd just read. Not surprisingly, these kids weren't interested in books. The problem wasn't Why Johnnie Can't Read, but more specifically, Why Johnnie Can't Understand--and the…
"To See through Johnny and to See Johnny Through": The Guidance Movement in Interwar Australia
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Wright, Katie
2012-01-01
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the guidance movement secured a foothold in the Australian educational landscape. Educators and psychologists looked to new initiatives in Britain and America in the hope that guidance programmes would provide solutions to a range of social, economic and educational problems: vocational guidance to help young…
7 CFR 318.13-16 - Regulated articles allowed interstate movement subject to specified conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
...(s) Additionalrequirements Hawaii Bananas 1 Musa spp Fruit (b)(1)(i), (b)(2)(ii) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) Pineapple 2 Ananas comosus Fruit (b)(2... Fruit (b)(3)(i) Pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets Calendula spp Flower (b)(2)(iii) U.S...
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dilles, Z. Y. G.; Prokopenko, M. G.; Bergmann, K.; Loyd, S. J.; Corsetti, F. A.; Berelson, W.; Gaines, R. R.
2014-12-01
Nitrogen, a major nutrient of marine primary production whose many redox states are linked through biological processes to O2, may afford better understanding of changes in post-Great Oxidation Event (GOE) environmental redox conditions. Using a novel approach to quantify nitrate content in carbonates, we identified a trend of CAN increase in the late-Proterozoic, including several distinct peaks within a carbonate succession of the Sonora province, Mexico, deposited ~630-500 Ma. The goal of the current study was to investigate CAN variability in the context of the global "Shuram" event, a large negative δ13C excursion expressed in Rainstorm member carbonates of the Johnnie Formation in Death Valley, CA. The lower Rainstorm Member "Johnnie Oolite", a time-transgressive, regionally extensive, shallow dolomitic oolite, was sampled. CAN concentrations ranged from 7.31 to 127.36 nmol/g, with higher values measured toward the base of the bed. This trend held at each sampled locality, along with a tendency towards decreasing CAN with larger magnitude negative δ13C excursions. Modern analog ooids formed in low-latitude marine environments lack CAN, consistent with their formation in low-nitrate waters of the euphotic zone characteristic of the modern ocean nitrogen cycling. In contrast, maximum values within the Johnnie oolite exceed by a factor of five to seven CAN measured in carbonates deposited below the main nitracline in the modern ocean, implying high nitrate content within shallow depositional environments. Johnnie oolite data, broadly consistent with the Sonora sequence findings, may indicate large perturbations in the Ediacaran nitrogen cycle immediately preceding the negative δ13C excursion. The implication of these findings for possible changes in the Ediacaran nitrogen, oxygen and carbon biogeochemical cycling will be further discussed.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Stuart, Reginald
2011-01-01
When veteran educator Dr. N. Joyce Payne handed the reins of the organization she founded, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, to entertainment lawyer and board member Johnny Taylor, Taylor began pursuing a remake of the prestigious group that has turned it on its head in just a matter of months. Today, with just more than a year of leading the…
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the rollout of the One NASA initiative at KSC, Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls embraces implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson while KSC Director Jim Kennedy (left) applauds. Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Kennedy and Earls, were James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson.
Warmed Winter Water Temperatures Alter Reproduction in Two Fish Species
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Firkus, Tyler; Rahel, Frank J.; Bergman, Harold L.; Cherrington, Brian D.
2018-02-01
We examined the spawning success of Fathead Minnows ( Pimephales promelas) and Johnny Darters ( Etheostoma nigrum) exposed to elevated winter water temperatures typical of streams characterized by anthropogenic thermal inputs. When Fathead Minnows were exposed to temperature treatments of 12, 16, or 20 °C during the winter, spawning occurred at 16 and 20 °C but not 12 °C. Eggs were deposited over 9 weeks before winter spawning ceased. Fathead Minnows from the three winter temperature treatments were then exposed to a simulated spring transition. Spawning occurred at all three temperature treatments during the spring, but fish from the 16° and 20 °C treatment had delayed egg production indicating a latent effect of warm winter temperatures on spring spawning. mRNA analysis of the egg yolk protein vitellogenin showed elevated expression in female Fathead Minnows at 16 and 20 °C during winter spawning that decreased after winter spawning ceased, whereas Fathead Minnows at 12 °C maintained comparatively low expression during winter. Johnny Darters were exposed to 4 °C to represent winter temperatures in the absence of thermal inputs, and 12, 16, and 20 °C to represent varying degrees of winter thermal pollution. Johnny Darters spawned during winter at 12, 16, and 20 °C but not at 4 °C. Johnny Darters at 4 °C subsequently spawned following a simulated spring period while those at 12, 16, and 20 °C did not. Our results indicate elevated winter water temperatures common in effluent-dominated streams can promote out-of-season spawning and that vitellogenin expression is a useful indicator of spawning readiness for fish exposed to elevated winter temperatures.
Warmed Winter Water Temperatures Alter Reproduction in Two Fish Species.
Firkus, Tyler; Rahel, Frank J; Bergman, Harold L; Cherrington, Brian D
2018-02-01
We examined the spawning success of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) and Johnny Darters (Etheostoma nigrum) exposed to elevated winter water temperatures typical of streams characterized by anthropogenic thermal inputs. When Fathead Minnows were exposed to temperature treatments of 12, 16, or 20 °C during the winter, spawning occurred at 16 and 20 °C but not 12 °C. Eggs were deposited over 9 weeks before winter spawning ceased. Fathead Minnows from the three winter temperature treatments were then exposed to a simulated spring transition. Spawning occurred at all three temperature treatments during the spring, but fish from the 16° and 20 °C treatment had delayed egg production indicating a latent effect of warm winter temperatures on spring spawning. mRNA analysis of the egg yolk protein vitellogenin showed elevated expression in female Fathead Minnows at 16 and 20 °C during winter spawning that decreased after winter spawning ceased, whereas Fathead Minnows at 12 °C maintained comparatively low expression during winter. Johnny Darters were exposed to 4 °C to represent winter temperatures in the absence of thermal inputs, and 12, 16, and 20 °C to represent varying degrees of winter thermal pollution. Johnny Darters spawned during winter at 12, 16, and 20 °C but not at 4 °C. Johnny Darters at 4 °C subsequently spawned following a simulated spring period while those at 12, 16, and 20 °C did not. Our results indicate elevated winter water temperatures common in effluent-dominated streams can promote out-of-season spawning and that vitellogenin expression is a useful indicator of spawning readiness for fish exposed to elevated winter temperatures.
Why Johnny Can't in: Sex Education
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Thompson, A. Gray
1971-01-01
Sex education in the schools is predicted to be the major educational issue in the 70's. It is concluded that total community involvement will eventually immobilize its politico-religious critics. (CP)
"Dear Teacher, Johnny Copied."
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Jackson, Louise A.; And Others
1987-01-01
Presents the problem of intentional or unintentional plagiarism on the part of young students, several possible causes for it, and offers ways teachers can help students avoid copying and understand the value of owning one's writing. (JC)
75 FR 13653 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-03-22
... D. Bennett, Johnny W. Bradford Sr., Levi A. Brown, Charlie F. Cook, Clifford H. Dovel, Arthur L..., Steven L. Valley, Thomas E. Voyles, Jr., Darel G. Wagner, Bernard J. Wood. These exemptions are extended...
Television and Social Problems: A Case History.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Willis, John
1978-01-01
Discusses two documentary television movies, "Johnny Go Home" and "Goodbye Longfellow Road," in terms of their resultant social change. Includes consideration of audience, time shown, and previous attitudes to provide evidence for his argument. (JEG)
Self-replicating machines in continuous space with virtual physics.
Smith, Arnold; Turney, Peter; Ewaschuk, Robert
2003-01-01
JohnnyVon is an implementation of self-replicating machines in continuous two-dimensional space. Two types of particles drift about in a virtual liquid. The particles are automata with discrete internal states but continuous external relationships. Their internal states are governed by finite state machines, but their external relationships are governed by a simulated physics that includes Brownian motion, viscosity, and springlike attractive and repulsive forces. The particles can be assembled into patterns that can encode arbitrary strings of bits. We demonstrate that, if an arbitrary seed pattern is put in a soup of separate individual particles, the pattern will replicate by assembling the individual particles into copies of itself. We also show that, given sufficient time, a soup of separate individual particles will eventually spontaneously form self-replicating patterns. We discuss the implications of JohnnyVon for research in nanotechnology, theoretical biology, and artificial life.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Matthews, Patrick
Corrective Action Unit 374 comprises five corrective action sites (CASs): • 18-22-05, Drum • 18-22-06, Drums (20) • 18-22-08, Drum • 18-23-01, Danny Boy Contamination Area • 20-45-03, U-20u Crater (Schooner) The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 374 based on the implementation of corrective actions. The corrective action of closure in place with administrative controls was implemented at CASs 18-23-01 and 20-45-03, and a corrective action of removing potential source material (PSM) was conducted at CAS 20-45-03. The othermore » CASs require no further action; however, best management practices of removing PSM and drums at CAS 18-22-06, and removing drums at CAS 18-22-08 were performed. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed from May 4 through October 6, 2010, as set forth in the Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 374: Area 20 Schooner Unit Crater, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. The approach for the CAI was divided into two facets: investigating the primary release of radionuclides and investigating other releases (migration in washes and chemical releases). The purpose of the CAI was to fulfill data needs as defined during the data quality objective (DQO) process. The CAU 374 dataset of investigation results was evaluated based on the data quality indicator parameters. This evaluation demonstrated the dataset is acceptable for use in fulfilling the DQO data needs. Analytes detected during the CAI were evaluated against final action levels (FALs) established in this document. Radiological doses exceeding the FAL of 25 millirem per year were found to be present in the surface soil that was sampled. It is assumed that radionuclide levels present in subsurface media within the craters and ejecta fields (default contamination boundaries) at the Danny Boy and Schooner sites exceed the FAL. It is also assumed that PSM in the form of lead-acid batteries at Schooner exceeds the FAL. Therefore, corrective actions were undertaken that consist of removing PSM, where present, and implementing a use restriction and posting warning signs at the Danny Boy and Schooner sites. These use restrictions were recorded in the FFACO database; the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office (NNSA/NSO) Facility Information Management System; and the NNSA/NSO CAU/CAS files. Therefore, NNSA/NSO provides the following recommendations: • No further corrective actions are necessary for CAU 374. • A Notice of Completion to NNSA/NSO is requested from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for closure of CAU 374. • Corrective Action Unit 374 should be moved from Appendix III to Appendix IV of the FFACO.« less
Why Johnny Can Read...But Doesn't
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Landy, Sarah
1977-01-01
The article analyzes characteristics of readers vs. non-readers and environmental factors which influence reading patterns among Grade VII (age 12-13) students. The study is based on 573 students and includes data on frequency of reading and book subject preferences. (JAB)
Will Johnny See Daddy This Week?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Stephens, Linda S.
1996-01-01
Examines the determinants of postdivorce contact between nonresidential fathers and their children after martial disruption and to evaluate the relative merit of three sociological perspectives on postdivorce contact: social parenting, marital-involvement parenting, and socioeconomic-advantaged parenting. Results suggest that fathers have limited…
Twentieth Century Books Influencing American Education
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
McCaul, Robert L.
1977-01-01
Discusses: "Educational Psychology," Thorndike; "Medical Education," Flexner; "Democracy and Education," Dewey; "The Measurement of Intelligence," Terman; "Public Education," Cubberley; "The Thirty-Ninth Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, Intelligence: Its Nature and Nurture;" and, "Why Johnny Can't Read," Flesch. (JM)
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-03-14
... alcoholic beverage business is seeking to be licensed. (e) No such license shall be transferred without the..., Chairman, Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone ATTEST: /s/ Vera Johnny, Acting Recording Secretary Te-Moak...
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Beckner, Gary, Ed.
2007-01-01
"Education Matters" is the monthly newsletter of the Association of American Educators (AAE), an organization dedicated to advancing the American teaching profession through personal growth, professional development, teacher advocacy and protection. This issue of the newsletter includes: (1) Johnny Can Write...If We Challenge Him (Bill…
Stewart, John H.
2005-01-01
Major successions as well as individual units of Neoproterozoic to Lower Jurassic strata and facies appear to be systematically offset left laterally from eastern California and western Nevada in the western United States to Sonora, Mexico. This pattern is most evident in units such as the "Johnnie oolite," a 1- to 2-m-thick oolite of the Neoproterozoic Rainstorm Member of the Johnnie Formation in the western United States and of the Clemente Formation in Sonora. The pattern is also evident in the Lower Cambrian Zabriskie Quartzite of the western United States and the correlative Proveedora Quartzite in Sonora. Matching of isopach lines of the Zabriskie Quartzite and Proveedora Quartzite suggests ???700-800 km of left-lateral offset. The offset pattern is also apparent in the distribution of distinctive lithologic types, unconformities, and fossil assemblages in other rocks ranging in age from Neoproterozoic to Early Jurassic. In the western United States, the distribution of facies in Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic strata indicates that the Cordilleran miogeocline trends north-south. A north-south trend is also suggested in Sonora, and if so is compatible with offset of the miogeocline but not with the ideas that the miogeocline wrapped around the continental margin and trends east-west in Sonora. An imperfect stratigraphic match of supposed offset segments along the megashear is apparent. Some units, such as the "Johnnie oolite" and Zabriskie-Proveedora, show almost perfect correspondence, but other units are significantly different. The differences seem to indicate that the indigenous succession of the western United States and offset segments in Mexico were not precisely side by side before offset but were separated by an area-now buried, eroded, or destroyed-that contained strata of intermediate facies. ?? 2005 Geological Society of America.
Operational Audit Model for a Small Not-for-Profit Organization.
1980-06-01
is projected to lose only il0. Presently, they grow kiwi fruit, raspberries, olallieberries, asparagus, banana squash, acorn squash and zucchini...California 93940 0. LT Johnnie Johnson III 2 Procurement Division NTaval Supply Center Oakland, California 94617 7. Henry Flowers 2 Seventh Day
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA leaders discuss the Agency’s One NASA initiative with selected employees at the KSC Visitor Complex IMAX Theater®. From left are KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.
1984-01-31
were conducted to study weapons effects from 15 February 1962 to 17 June 1965. ,Four were shaft-type, three were tunnel- type, and one was a crater...Of the 194 nuclear device tests conducted, 161 were for weapons development or effects purposes, and 33 were safety ex- periments. An additional 22...testing on 25 April 1962 until the last atmospheric test on 4 November 1962, 40 weapons development and weapons effects tests were conducted as part of the
Schools for Cities: Urban Strategies. NEA Series on Design.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Haar, Sharon, Ed.
This monograph presents papers from the 2000 Mayors' Institute on City Design and the public forum that followed it. Essays include: "Schools for Cities: Urban Strategies" (Sharon Haar); "Reenvisioning Schools; The Mayors' Questions" (Leah Ray); "Why Johnny Can't Walk to School" (Constance E. Beaumont); "Lessons…
Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Third Edition
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Miles, Matthew B.; Huberman, A. Michael; Saldana, Johnny
2014-01-01
The Third Edition of Miles & Huberman's classic research methods text is updated and streamlined by Johnny Saldaña, author of "The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers." Several of the data display strategies from previous editions are now presented in re-envisioned and reorganized formats to enhance reader accessibility and…
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-02-03
... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2010-N-0598... Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing... CONTACT: Johnny Vilela, Office of Information Management, Food and Drug Administration, 1350 Piccard Dr...
Norm Abram of 'This Old House' visits KSC to film for show
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2000-01-01
Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series This Old House, talk with astronaut John Herrington (right). In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of This Old House.
Literature for Children and Adolescents.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Matthews, Dorothy, Ed.
1978-01-01
The 11 articles in this publication discuss many topics regarding literature for children and adolescents, including the following: the major problems facing teachers and writers alike as they strive to communicate with the young; E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web"; two views of the American Revolution found in "Johnny Tremain" and "My Brother Sam Is…
Aliteracy: What Teachers Can Do to Keep Johnny Reading.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Decker, Barbara Cooper
Aliteracy, the ability to read but the unwillingness to do so, is a growing problem in American society. Aliteracy crosses all socioeconomic levels, thereby allowing autocratic, charismatic leaders to influence thinking and decision-making. Social changes that have contributed to the problem of aliteracy include the influence of television on…
Why Johnny Can Be Average Today.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Sturrock, Alan
1997-01-01
During a (hypothetical) phone interview with a university researcher, an elementary principal reminisced about a lifetime of reading groups with unmemorable names, medium-paced math problems, patchworked social studies/science lessons, and totally "average" IQ and batting scores. The researcher hung up at the mention of bell-curved assembly lines…
Johnny Can Write: Identifying the Epistemological Language of Undergraduate Writers
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Frye, Matthew Jay
2017-01-01
This dissertation examines the epistemological moves made by Washington State University undergraduates in their general education course writing and during two impromptu writing assessment exams administered by the WSU writing program. It builds from previous interview-based research on epistemological change (Perry, 1998; diSessa, 1993;…
How Johnny/Jane Writes: The Complex Word.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Keller, Rodney D.
The process of getting a thought out of the mind and onto paper can be divided into five major categories: (1) discovering the word, (2) excavating the mythic word from the subconscious, (3) perceiving the word in the conscious, (4) verbalizing the expressed word, and (5) comprehending the unsaid word. When humans experience anything, their minds…
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Auerbach, Barbara
2010-01-01
While historical fiction by Jean Fritz as well as titles like Robert Lawson's "Ben and Me" (1939) or "Mr. Revere and I" (1954) and Esther Forbes's "Johnny Tremain" (1943) are widely known classics that bring this period to life, recent years have yielded a wealth of new offerings--many of which are accessible picture books or read-alouds. These…
To Click or Not to Click: That's the Question
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
El-Rady, Johnny
2006-01-01
Classes of 100 students or more are not uncommon in higher education. With such large enrollments, it can be difficult for instructors to integrate active learning components to the traditional lecture format typically adopted in such large classes. To help address this problem, Johnny El-Rady discusses his use of an electronic classroom voting…
The Myth that College and Major Choice Decides Johnny's Future
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Dietz, Janis
2010-01-01
Though the importance of college is well recognized (Heckert & Wallace, 1998; Arney, Hardeback, Estrada & Permenter, 2006), there continues to be debate about whether a specific major or choice of college affects a person's future success as measured by position and/or compensation. As college costs have risen faster than income (Anonymous,…
Special Issue: Veterans in Higher Education--When Johnny and Jane Come Marching to Campus
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
DiRamio, David; Jarvis, Kathryn
2011-01-01
This volume is intended to provide useful information about students with military experience who are attending college by blending the theoretical, practical, and empirical. The chapters contain theories, frameworks, facts, and ideas for consideration when approaching the subject of the newest generation of college students who have experienced…
Social Development of the Young Child: Why Can't Johnny Share?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Bingham, B. Yvonne
There is growing concern that early childhood educators are not giving adequate attention to promoting their students' social development. This paper discusses the social developmental needs of young children, the importance of early intervention, and possible ways that early childhood educators can nurture healthy social skills through the school…
Why Can't Johnny Read? The Abell Report. Volume 23, No.7
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Jacobson, Joan
2010-01-01
Baltimore's school-based vision-screening program may be leaving thousands of children with uncorrected eyesight problems. Vision screening in public schools is essential for students to learn, especially when low-income children face a high rate of eyesight problems and have poor access to health care. Left undetected and uncorrected, vision…
Norm Abram of 'This Old House' visits KSC to film for show
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2000-01-01
Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series This Old House. In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of This Old House.
What Johnny Shouldn't Read: Textbook Censorship in America.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
DelFattore, Joan
This book discusses ways in which special-interest groups influence the content of textbooks used in public and private schools throughout the United States. The book focuses on recent federal lawsuits involving attempts to censor or ban reading, literature, science, and social studies textbooks. Recreating the story behind each lawsuit, the book…
What Johnny Can't Write: A University View of Freshman Writing Ability.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Newkirk, Thomas R.; And Others
It is regularly claimed that the quality of writing done by college freshmen is declining. This study attempted, through the use of questionnaires and interviews, to determine what specific freshman writing problems English teaching assistants and English professors at the University of Texas viewed as most serious. Questionnaire results showed…
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-11-29
... are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of... for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on burden hours necessary... docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Johnny...
What Johnny Can't Read: "First Amendment Rights" in the Classroom.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Orleans, Jeffrey H.
1981-01-01
Representative, delegated school governance by elected officials intrinsically vests curricular control in those officials. Because their offices are created so that the schools may be governed, they have authority to govern the schools--even especially--in the delicate and critical areas of deciding how and what the schools shall teach.…
Johnny Horizon Environmental Test Kit.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Bentley, Richard; Bentley, William
Derived from tests presently used by state and federal agencies involved with pollution detection, this Environmental Test Kit contains materials and instructions for ten experiments. Each experiment is designed to test a different aspect of air and water, to find out whether or not the air and water in the tester's immediate area has been…
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lupkowski, Ann E.; Assouline, Susan G.
This book is a guide for parents and teachers of mathematically talented elementary school students. Chapters and sections include: (1) "Overview"; (2) "Historical and Current Perspectives"; (3) "Making Informed Educational Decisions"; (4) "Diagnostic Testing Followed by Prescriptive Instruction: SMPY's DT to PI…
What Johnny Likes to Read Is Hard To Find in School.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Worthy, Jo; Moorman, Megan; Turner, Margo
1999-01-01
Investigates reading preferences of an ethnically and economically diverse group of sixth-grade students from three middle schools. Shows that light materials (scary series books, comics, and magazines) top the list for every sub-group of students. Finds very limited availability of preferred materials in school; and shows that most students…
Grease Cowboy Fever; or, the making of Johnny T.
Bradford, K
2002-01-01
Through a mix of theory, memoir and performance narrative, this chapter examines the making of drag persona Johnny T. as part of a king movement where the dominant cultural paradigm of gender is reconsidered and remastered. As seen in Grease, Saturday Night Fever and Urban Cowboy, pop culture icon John Travolta's particular blend of 50s greaser, faggy 70s disco, and 80s country masculinities are shown to be prime drag king conditions, particularly for a dyke who came of age during the 70s Travolta fever. While drawing from personal experience as a king, current trends in the king movement, and gender theory, this essay calls into question the lines between performing masculinity on and off the stage, inviting us to see both the work and play, the parody and realness, the struggle and liberation that make up the transgressive world of drag kinging and gender variance. Drawing upon gender theorists Judith Butler and Judith Halberstam, gender is exposed as a social construction both produced and performed, and as such, drag kinging is framed as an arena where gender is reconfigured.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
McKool, Sharon S.; Gespass, Suzanne
2009-01-01
This article investigates the relationship between teachers' personal reading habits and their instructional practices. Teachers responded to a questionnaire that revealed their attitudes toward reading, the amount of time they spent reading per day and the kind of literacy practices that they used in their classrooms. Results indicate: (1) while…
Gene banks pay big dividends to agriculture, the environment, and human welfare
R. C. Johnson
2008-01-01
Nearly a century after the pioneering American apple tree purveyor Johnny Appleseed traveled from town to town planting nurseries in the Midwestern United States, Frans Nicholas Meijer left his Netherlands home to pursue a similar vocation as an "agricultural explorer" for the US Department of Agriculture. Over the course of his career, Meijer, who...
Brown Country: Johnny Rodriguez
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Vargas, Deborah R.
2007-01-01
The year 1972 was part of a dynamic period of Chicano politics and cultural production in South Texas. A few years earlier, in the Crystal City Revolts, Tejanos had moved to gain control of city and school board positions, events that resulted in the creation of the Raza Unida Party in 1970. Nineteen seventy-two also marked the beginning of the…
Social Studies Losing out to Reading, Math
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Manzo, Kathleen Kennedy
2005-01-01
"Johnny" may be learning more about reading and mathematics, but he may have little time to study the discoveries of Columbus, the tenets of the U.S. Constitution, or the social and political causes of the Civil War. Those time-honored topics--as well as lesser-known events and figures throughout history--are fighting to maintain their…
Teachers Already Armed in Some Districts
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Shah, Nirvi
2013-01-01
Shooting instructor Johnny Price looked at the teachers lined up in front of him. Mr. Price, the owner of Big Iron Concealed Handgun Training in Waco, Texas, spent two days this month training teachers and staff members from the Clifton school district in all they need to know to earn licenses to carry weapons out of sight. There is no indication…
75 FR 79084 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-12-17
....gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical... are: Johnny Becerra John B. Ethridge Michael B. McClure Ross E. Burroughs Larry J. Folkerts Francis M. McMullin Lester W. Carter Paul W. Hunter Norman Mullins Christopher L. DePuy Ray P. Lenz David Triplett The...
2016-03-17
JOHNNIE CLARK, BRIAN WEST, AND ZACK JONES OF MSFC’S ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TEAM, WITH MSFC’S XLINE SELECTIVE LASER MELTING SYSTEM. CURRENTLY ONE OF THE LARGEST METAL 3D PRINTERS, THE XLINE AT MARSHALL IS BEING USED TO DEVELOP AND CERTIFY NICKEL ALLOY 718 MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND LARGE MANUFACTURING TECH DEMOS FOR THE RS25 ENGINE AND THE COMMERCIAL CREWED VEHICLE PROJECTS.
Schools and Communities as Partners. When Johnny Can't Read, Who Can Help?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Educational Priorities Panel, New York, NY.
This study examines the extent to which the New York City public school system enables high-risk students to gain access to the kinds of programs and services most appropriate for them. The report is limited to programs in alternative settings, including those operated by the Board of Education and those operated under private nonprofit auspices.…
More than Meets the Ear: A Factor Analysis of Student Impressions of Television Talk Show Hosts.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Walker, James R.
To identify the descriptors most frequently associated with four popular television talk show hosts and to isolate the fundamental dimensions of the images of those talk show hosts, a study surveyed 209 students from Memphis State University and the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) about their impressions of Johnny Carson, David Letterman,…
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Director Jim Kennedy (left) and incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow talk about One NASA during the rollout of the Agency initiative at KSC. They were joined at the IMAX Theater® by other NASA leaders James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson to explain how their respective centers contribute to One NASA. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Beach, Mary G.
2014-01-01
In this research study, the principal investigator used the methodology of auto-ethnography, interviews, and a critical perspective to analyze the effects of the implementation of high-stakes testing on educators and the classroom environment. In accessing reflective journals and interviews, the researcher gains insight into the dynamics of…
The Farrelly Brothers and Special Olympics Reach Out to Youth at a Favorite Venue--The Movies
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Exceptional Parent, 2005
2005-01-01
"The Ringer" is the new comedy produced by Bobby and Peter Farrelly, the writer-directors of such edgy fare as "Kingpin," "Stuck on You" and the blockbuster comedy "Something About Mary." "The Ringer" is a film about a guy named Stevie (played by Johnny Knoxville, the star of MTV's hit series "Jackass") who is pretending to have an intellectual…
Project Summary: Biology-Inspired Autonomous Control
2011-02-01
AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 2304 Johnny H. Evers 5e. TASK NUMBER AM 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 08 7. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER AFRL/RWAV...101 West Eglin Blvd Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 AFRL-RW-EG-TP-2011-006 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kontorovich, Igor'
2018-01-01
This article is concerned with cognitive aspects of students' struggles in situations in which familiar concepts are reconsidered in a new mathematical domain. Examples of such cross-curricular concepts are divisibility in the domain of integers and in the domain of polynomials, multiplication in the domain of numbers and in the domain of vectors,…
Analysis of Photonic Networks for a Chip Multiprocessor Using Scientific Applications
2009-05-01
Analysis of Photonic Networks for a Chip Multiprocessor Using Scientific Applications Gilbert Hendry†, Shoaib Kamil‡?, Aleksandr Biberman†, Johnnie...electronic networks -on-chip warrants investigating real application traces on functionally compa- rable photonic and electronic network designs. We... network can achieve 75× improvement in energy ef- ficiency for synthetic benchmarks and up to 37× improve- ment for real scientific applications
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Linder, Patricia E., Ed.; Sampson, Mary Beth, Ed.; Dugan, Jo Ann R., Ed.; Brancato, Barrie, Ed.
The College Reading Association believes and values literacy education for all as one way to protect people's freedoms. This 24th Yearbook celebrates the varied "faces" of literacy. The yearbook contains the following special articles: (Presidential Address) "What Is Johnny Reading? A Research Update" (Maria Valerie Gold);…
Pathogenesis of Salmonellosis: Salmonella Exotoxins
1982-03-08
of Salmonella enteritidis , which included 9630 serotype newport, 9136 serotype newport, 10016 serotype javiana, and 8832, serotype javiana were also...supplied by Dr. T. Huber. Additionally, four clinical isolates of Salmonella enteritidis , which included 986 serotype typhimurium, 2000 serotype...77Z7I AD _ REPORT NUMBER 3 0 Pathogenesis of Salmonellosis: Salmonella Exotoxins Annual Progress Report (9/1/79-8/31/80) M Johnny W. Peterson, Ph.D
Pathogenesis of Salmonellosis: Salmonella Exotoxins
1982-03-08
membrane-as3ociated enterotowin produced by S. enteritidis and by S. typhimurium ; however they could find no similarities between their Salmonella ...AD. . 0 REPORT NUJMBER 1 Pathogenesis of Salmoneiliosis: Salmonella Exotoxins Annual Progress Report (12/1/77-9/1/78) Johnny W. Peterson. Ph.D. March...TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVEREOD",- Uathogenesis of ,Salmonellosils: Salmonella Annual Progress Report Exotoxins 12/T/77 9/1/78 C. PERFORMCNG ORG
1980-02-01
radiochemical procedures described in Appendix A. All results were reported in terms of the number of u035 thermal- neutron fissions which would have produced...Ca, Mg, Al, Si, and Fe, expressed both as elements and as oxides . The last column shows the sum of the oxides . The deviation of t~pse values from 100...4.4 Cs13 6 12.9 0.0537 0.006 9.71 y 10’ 7.14 y i0ř 5.9 Ba140 12.79 0.0542 6.3 Ce 3.5 0.0213 6.0 6Ce 52 o.OQ h 6 6.1 a. For ther-a!- neutron fission
System Design for Navy Occupational Standards Development
2014-07-01
including, Mr. Thomas Crain, Deputy Director, Workforce Classifications Department, LCDR Juan Carrasco, Michele Jackson, and Johnny Powell. David...and Carrasco, Juan ; Navy Job Analysis Management Project Description, NAVMAC, January 2010. 34 Lists of validated tasks, sorted by Functional...34 runat="server"> <div> <rsweb:ReportViewer ID="ReportViewerSample" runat="server" Font -Names="Verdana" Font -Size=Ŝpt
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Mondloch, Catherine J.; Leis, Anishka; Maurer, Daphne
2006-01-01
Four-year-olds were tested for their ability to use differences in the spacing among features to recognize familiar faces. They were given a storybook depicting multiple views of 2 children. They returned to the laboratory 2 weeks later and used a "magic wand" to play a computer game that tested their ability to recognize the familiarized faces…
New Advances in Molecular Therapy for Muscle Repair after Diseases and Injuries
2009-04-01
broader scientific community . Investigator: Johnny Huard - 9 - Project # 1 Progress Report The use of suramin to improve muscle healing after...black arrow ) in grey matter indicated small neuron and axon communication . Project # 5 Final Report Inhibiting cell death and promoting muscle...potential to treat muscle wasting induced by cancer. We anticipate that these results can be generalized to the treatment of other genetic and acquired
Life Cycle Assessment for Chemical Agent Resistant Coating.
1996-09-01
994) document to develop HVs from 1 to 2.5. The final equivalency factor for a chemical was based on the formula: Equivalency Factor = (toxicity HV...applicable to the development of processes/procedures and their implementation, likely would fit better with a true LCA- based design exercise for a product...Johnny Springer, Jr., National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Pathogenesis of Salmonellosis: Salmonella Exotoxins
1982-03-08
Newport; Sal. 9633 - serotype Newport; and Sal. 9186 - serotype Newport. Salmonella enteritidis serotype typhimurium strain 2000 was obtained from...7054 Table 1I CULTURE MEDIA SURVEY Salmonella enteritidis Salmonella typhimurium serotype Javiana #10016 SRlI Culture Media C H 0 Cell Factor C H 0 Cell...C r AD REPORT NUMBER 2 0 Pathogenesis of Salmonellosis: Salmonella Exotoxins Annual Progress Report (9/1/78-9/1/79) Johnny W. Peterson, Ph.D. March 8
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA’s Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science, speaks to employees and guests during the rollout at KSC of the Agency initiative One NASA . The event was held at the IMAX Theater®. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Weiler, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.
Paetyangkul, Anchalee; Türk, Tamer; Elekdağ-Türk, Selma; Jones, Allan S; Petocz, Peter; Cheng, Lam L; Darendeliler, M Ali
2011-03-01
Orthodontic force duration can affect the severity of root resorption. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the amounts of root resorption volumetrically after the application of controlled light and heavy forces in the buccal direction for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The sample consisted of 54 maxillary first premolars in 36 patients (mean age, 14.9 years; 21 girls, 15 boys) who required first premolar extractions as part of their orthodontic treatment. The teeth were allocated into 3 groups that varied in the duration of force application: 4, 8, or 12 weeks. The right or left first premolars were randomly selected to receive 2 levels of forces. A light buccally directed orthodontic force of 25 g was applied to the experimental tooth on 1 side, while a heavy orthodontic force of 225 g was applied on the contralateral premolar. At the end of the experimental period, the teeth were extracted and scanned with the microcomputed-tomography x-ray system. Resorption crater analysis was performed with specially designed software for direct volumetric measurements. Significant differences in the extent of root resorption were found between 4, 8, and 12 weeks of force application (P <0.001), with substantially more severe resorption in the longer force duration groups. The light force produced significantly less root resorption than did the heavy force. After 4, 8, or 12 weeks of buccally directed orthodontic forces applied on the maxillary first premolars, the volumes of root resorption craters were found to be related to the duration and the magnitude of the forces. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
MSFC Annual Day of Remembrance ceremony
2018-01-25
Johnny Stephenson, Director of the Office of Strategic Analysis and Communications, addresses guests and employees at the Marshall Space Flight Center’s annual “Day of Remembrance†honoring those astronauts who have passed away. Looking on, from left, are Rick Burt, Marshall Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate director; Marshall Center Director Todd May; and former NASA astronauts retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Stewart; former Marshall Deputy Director Jan Davis; and Robert "Hoot" Gibson.
Organizing Chaos: Restructuring Counter-Piracy Forces Off the Coast of Somalia
2011-05-04
the Maersk Alabama cargo ship. Prior to these attacks, most Americans were likely to associate a pirate with Hollywood’s mascara-wearing Johnny Depp...However, the approach to countering Somali pirates is disorganized. The international community attempts to achieve unity of effort by relying heavily...conducting counter-piracy as ―a good model not only for the Gulf of Aden and the Somali bases, but also for future such endeavors.‖ 12 Mr. Countryman
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Director Jim Kennedy and Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls share the stage during the rollout of the One NASA initiative at KSC. Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Kennedy and Earls, were James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson.
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dryden Flight Research Center Director Kevin Peterson talks about One NASA during the rollout of the Agency initiative at KSC. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Peterson, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy, James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.
2003-08-20
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC’s incoming Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow speaks to employees and guests during the rollout at KSC of the Agency initiative One NASA . The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Whitlow, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.
1990-08-30
else were not! 20 2017 6 Unlike the preparation and limits determination phases of the site planning process, QDS determination is neither math...Inst. of Mining & Tech, Socorro, NM i CONNELL, Malcolm Property Svcs Agency, Croydon, UK COOK, Johnnie, L. Red River Army Depot, Texarkana , TX 75507...Head, MD 20640 SCHNEIDER, Bruce A. New Mexico Engr Rsch Inst., Albq., NM 87131 SCHOOLER, James S. Red River Army Depot, Texarkana , TX 75507 SCHULTEN
1990-05-01
MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA MAY 1990 FT~~f f r’ep l c sl m 0 F UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE rw’hen Dat. Entered) REPOT DCUMNTATON...1990 Portersville Bay, Mobile County, Ala. 6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER 7. AUJTHOR(*) 8. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(*.) Johnny L. Grandison 9. PE...RFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM1 ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK U.S. Army En(7ineer District, Mobile AREA& ORK UNIT NUMBERS Plan Develop
Responses to Nitroprusside Following Hemorrhage in Anesthetized Pigs
1991-08-01
well as SPC Bharatkumar Gandhi and SPC Johnny Singson. We also thank Mary Thomas for her secretarial assistance and Charles E. Wade, Ph.D., for his...anesthesia and operation in the head-up position. Anesth Analg 1977; 56:391-394. 9. Larsen R, Teichmann J, Hilfiker 0, Busse C, Sonntag H. Nitroprusside...JN, Burke LP. Nitroprusside. Ann Intern Med 1979; 91:752-757. O’Benar et al .-- Page 26 OFFICIAI. DISTRIBUTION I.IST (’o mmander US Army Medical
"Launch Your Business with NASA" conference in Decatur, Alabama.
2017-10-18
The Morgan County Economic Development Association and the City of Decatur, in Partnership with the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), hosted a business forum on, How to Launch Your Business with NASA, Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at the Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur, AL. The event was open to all businesses allowed them to connect with Senior NASA representatives and their prime contractors. The program guided businesses through the process of working with NASA as a supplier, subcontractor, and/or a service provider. The Marshall Space Flight Center’s projected procurement budget in FY 2018 is approximately $2.2 billion and numerous procurement opportunities are available for small business participation each fiscal year. The program included Todd May, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center; Johnny Stephenson, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center’s Office of Strategic Analysis and Communication; David Brock, Small Business Specialist with Marshall Space Flight Center; and Lynn Garrison, Small Business Specialist Technical Advisor with Marshall Space Flight Center. Additionally, there was a prime contractor panel consisting of representatives from five NASA prime contractors. The event included a dedicated networking session with those prime contractors. The “Launch Your Business With NASA” event provides those in attendance the opportunity to network with key Marshall Space Flight Center procurement and technical personnel, and representatives of several major Marshall Space Flight Center prime contractors.Arts.. OSAC Director Johnny Stephenson talks about Marshall's Mission areas to audience
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Patrick Matthews
Corrective Action Unit 374 is located in Areas 18 and 20 of the Nevada Test Site, which is approximately 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. Corrective Action Unit 374 comprises the five corrective action sites (CASs) listed below: • 18-22-05, Drum • 18-22-06, Drums (20) • 18-22-08, Drum • 18-23-01, Danny Boy Contamination Area • 20-45-03, U-20u Crater (Schooner) These sites are being investigated because existing information on the nature and extent of potential contamination is insufficient to evaluate and recommend corrective action alternatives (CAAs). Additional information will be obtained by conducting a corrective action investigation before evaluating CAAsmore » and selecting the appropriate corrective action for each CAS. The results of the field investigation will support a defensible evaluation of viable CAAs that will be presented in the Corrective Action Decision Document. The sites will be investigated based on the data quality objectives (DQOs) developed on October 20, 2009, by representatives of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office. The DQO process was used to identify and define the type, amount, and quality of data needed to develop and evaluate appropriate corrective actions for CAU 374.« less
2011-10-19
Editor Dr. Gregory Manley HQ AFPC/DSYX, Dr. Lisa Mills AF/A1PF, Dr. Paul DiTullio HQ Af/A1PFA, Kenneth Schwartz HQ AFPC/DSYX, Johnny Weissmuller HQ...B ru s k ie w ic z e t a l. , 2 0 0 7 : A V O , M P O C h a p p e ll e e t a l. , 2 0 1 0 : M P O C h a p p e ll e e t a l. , 2 0 1 1
2016-12-21
This image of a southern mid-latitude crater was intended to investigate the lineated material on the crater floor. At the higher resolution of HiRISE, the image reveals a landscape peppered by small impact craters. These craters range from about 30 meters in diameter down to the resolution limit (about 2 meter diameter in this image acquired by averaging 2x2 picture elements). Such dense clusters of small craters are frequently formed by secondary craters, caused by the impact of material that was excavated and ejected from the surface of Mars during the creation of a larger nearby crater by the impact of a comet or an asteroid. Secondary impact craters are both interesting and vexing. They are interesting because they show the trajectories of the material that was ejected from the primary impact with the greatest speeds, typically material from near the surface of the blast zone. Secondary craters are often found along the traces of crater rays, linear features that extend radially from fresh impact craters and can reach many crater diameters in length. Secondary craters can be useful when crater rays are visible and the small craters can be associated with a particular primary impact crater. They can be used to constrain the age of the surface where they fell, since the surface must be older than the impact event. The age of the crater can be approximately estimated from the probability of an impact that produced a crater of such a size within a given area of Mars over a given time period. But these secondary craters can also be perplexing when no crater rays are preserved and a source crater is not easily identifiable, as is the case here. The impact that formed these secondary craters took place long enough ago that their association with a particular crater has been erased. They do not appear along the trace of a crater ray that is still apparent in visible or thermal infrared observations. These secondary craters complicate the task of estimating the age of the lineated material on the crater floor. It is necessary to distinguish secondary craters from the primary impacts that we rely upon to estimate the ages of Martian surfaces. The large number of small craters clustered together here is typical of crater rays elsewhere on Mars and suggests that these are indeed, secondary impact craters. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA14450
Degradation studies of Martian impact craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barlow, N. G.
1991-01-01
The amount of obliteration suffered by Martian impact craters is quantified by comparing measurable attributes of the current crater shape to those values expected for a fresh crater of identical size. Crater diameters are measured from profiles obtained using photoclinometry across the structure. The relationship between the diameter of a fresh crater and a crater depth, floor width, rim height, central peak height, etc. was determined by empirical studies performed on fresh Martian impact craters. We utilized the changes in crater depth and rim height to judge the degree of obliteration suffered by Martian impact craters.
The Global Contribution of Secondary Craters on the Icy Satellites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hoogenboom, T.; Johnson, K. E.; Schenk, P.
2014-12-01
At present, surface ages of bodies in the Outer Solar System are determined only from crater size-frequency distributions (a method dependent on an understanding of the projectile populations responsible for impact craters in these planetary systems). To derive accurate ages using impact craters, the impactor population must be understood. Impact craters in the Outer Solar System can be primary, secondary or sesquinary. The contribution of secondary craters to the overall population has recently become a "topic of interest." Our objective is to better understand the contribution of dispersed secondary craters to the small crater populations, and ultimately that of small comets to the projectile flux on icy satellites in general. We measure the diameters of obvious secondary craters (determined by e.g. irregular crater shape, small size, clustering) formed by all primary craters on Ganymede for which we have sufficiently high resolution data to map secondary craters. Primary craters mapped range from approximately 40 km to 210 km. Image resolution ranges from 45 to 440 m/pixel. Bright terrain on Ganymede is our primary focus. These resurfaced terrains have relatively low crater densities and serve as a basis for characterizing secondary populations as a function of primary size on an icy body for the first time. Although focusing on Ganymede, we also investigate secondary crater size, frequency, distribution, and formation, as well as secondary crater chain formation on icy satellites throughout the Saturnian and Jovian systems principally Rhea. We compare our results to similar studies of secondary cratering on the Moon and Mercury. Using Galileo and Voyager data, we have identified approximately 3,400 secondary craters on Ganymede. In some cases, we measured crater density as a function of distance from a primary crater. Because of the limitations of the Galileo data, it is necessary to extrapolate from small data sets to the global population of secondary craters. Nonetheless, we confirm that secondary craters on Ganymede have narrow size-frequency distributions and that they correlate with primary crater diameter. From these data we will evaluate the contribution of secondary craters over a range of crater diameters.
Evidence for self-secondary cratering of Copernican-age continuous ejecta deposits on the Moon
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zanetti, M.; Stadermann, A.; Jolliff, B.; Hiesinger, H.; van der Bogert, C. H.; Plescia, J.
2017-12-01
Crater size-frequency distributions on the ejecta blankets of Aristarchus and Tycho Craters are highly variable, resulting in apparent absolute model age differences despite ejecta being emplaced in a geologic instant. Crater populations on impact melt ponds are a factor of 4 less than on the ejecta, and crater density increases with distance from the parent crater rim. Although target material properties may affect crater diameters and in turn crater size-frequency distribution (CSFD) results, they cannot completely reconcile crater density and population differences observed within the ejecta blanket. We infer from the data that self-secondary cratering, the formation of impact craters immediately following the emplacement of the continuous ejecta blanket by ejecta from the parent crater, contributed to the population of small craters (< 300 m diameter) on ejecta blankets and must be taken into account if small craters and small count areas are to be used for relative and absolute model age determinations on the Moon. Our results indicate that the cumulative number of craters larger than 1 km in diameter per unit area, N(1), on the continuous ejecta blanket at Tycho Crater, ranges between 2.17 × 10-5 and 1.0 × 10-4, with impact melt ponds most accurately reflecting the primary crater flux (N(1) = 3.4 × 10-5). Using the cratering flux recorded on Tycho impact melt deposits calibrated to accepted exposure age (109 ± 1.5 Ma) as ground truth, and using similar crater distribution analyses on impact melt at Aristarchus Crater, we infer the age of Aristarchus Crater to be ∼280 Ma. The broader implications of this work suggest that the measured cratering rate on ejecta blankets throughout the Solar System may be overestimated, and caution should be exercised when using small crater diameters (i.e. < 300 m on the Moon) for absolute model age determination.
Moon-Mercury: Relative preservation states of secondary craters
Scott, D.H.
1977-01-01
Geologic mapping of the Kuiper quadrangle of Mercury and other geologic studies of the planet indicate that secondary craters are much better preserved than those on the moon around primary craters of similar size and morphology. Among the oldest recognized secondary craters on the moon associated with craters 100 km across or less are those of Posidonius, Atlas and Plato; these craters have been dated as middle to late Imbrian in age. Many craters on Mercury with dimensions, morphologies and superposed crater densities similar to these lunar craters have fields and clusters of fresher appearing secondary craters. The apparent differences between secondary-crater morphology and parent crater may be due in part to: (1) rapid isostatic adjustment of the parent crater; (2) different impact fluxes between the two planets; and (or) (3) to the greater concentration of Mercurian secondaries around impact areas, thereby accentuating crater forms. Another factor which may contribute to the better state of preservation of Mercurian secondaries relative to the moon is the difference in crater ejecta velocities on both bodies. These velocities have been calculated for fields of secondary craters at about equal ranges from lunar and Mercurian parent craters. Results show that ejection velocities of material producing most of the secondary craters are rather low (<1 km/s) but velocities on Mercury are about 50% greater than those on the moon for equivalent ranges. Higher velocities may produce morphologically enhanced secondary craters which may account for their better preservation with time. ?? 1977.
Geology of five small Australian impact craters
Shoemaker, E.M.; Macdonald, F.A.; Shoemaker, C.S.
2005-01-01
Here we present detailed geological maps and cross-sections of Liverpool, Wolfe Creek, Boxhole, Veevers and Dalgaranga craters. Liverpool crater and Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater are classic bowlshaped, Barringer-type craters, Liverpool was likely formed during the Neoproterozoic and was filled and covered with sediments soon thereafter. In the Cenozoic, this cover was exhumed exposing the crater's brecciated wall rocks. Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater displays many striking features, including well-bedded ejecta units, crater-floor faults and sinkholes, a ringed aeromagnetic anomaly, rim-skirting dunes, and numerous iron-rich shale balls. Boxhole Meteorite Crater, Veevers Meteorite Crater and Dalgaranga crater are smaller, Odessa-type craters without fully developed, steep, overturned rims. Boxhole and Dalgaranga craters are developed in highly follated Precambrian basement rocks with a veneer of Holocene colluvium. The pre-existing structure at these two sites complicates structural analyses of the craters, and may have influenced target deformation during impact. Veevers Meteorite Crater is formed in Cenozoic laterites, and is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth. The craters discussed herein were formed in different target materials, ranging from crystalline rocks to loosely consolidated sediments, containing evidence that the impactors struck at an array of angles and velocities. This facilitates a comparative study of the influence of these factors on the structural and topographic form of small impact craters. ?? Geological Society of Australia.
Lunar Cratering Chronology: Calibrating Degree of Freshness of Craters to Absolute Ages
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Trang, D.; Gillis-Davis, J.; Boyce, J. M.
2013-12-01
The use of impact craters to age-date surfaces of and/or geomorphological features on planetary bodies is a decades old practice. Various dating techniques use different aspects of impact craters in order to determine ages. One approach is based on the degree of freshness of primary-impact craters. This method examines the degradation state of craters through visual inspection of seven criteria: polygonality, crater ray, continuous ejecta, rim crest sharpness, satellite craters, radial channels, and terraces. These criteria are used to rank craters in order of age from 0.0 (oldest) to 7.0 (youngest). However, the relative decimal scale used in this technique has not been tied to a classification of absolute ages. In this work, we calibrate the degree of freshness to absolute ages through crater counting. We link the degree of freshness to absolute ages through crater counting of fifteen craters with diameters ranging from 5-22 km and degree of freshness from 6.3 to 2.5. We use the Terrain Camera data set on Kaguya to count craters on the continuous ejecta of each crater in our sample suite. Specifically, we divide the crater's ejecta blanket into quarters and count craters between the rim of the main crater out to one crater radii from the rim for two of the four sections. From these crater counts, we are able to estimate the absolute model age of each main crater using the Craterstats2 tool in ArcGIS. Next, we compare the degree of freshness for the crater count-derived age of our main craters to obtain a linear inverse relation that links these two metrics. So far, for craters with degree of freshness from 6.3 to 5.0, the linear regression has an R2 value of 0.7, which corresponds to a relative uncertainty of ×230 million years. At this point, this tool that links degree of freshness to absolute ages cannot be used with craters <8km because this class of crater degrades quicker than larger craters. A graphical solution exists for correcting the degree of freshness for craters <8 km in diameter. We convert this graphical solution to a single function of two independent variables, observed degree of freshness and crater diameter. This function, which results in a corrected degree of freshness is found through a curve-fitting routine and corrects the degree of freshness for craters <8 km in diameter. As a result, we are able to derive absolute ages from the degree of freshness of craters with diameters from about ≤20 km down to a 1 km in diameter with a precision of ×230 million years.
2006-10-10
Several craters were formed on the rim of this large crater. The movement of material downhill toward the floor of the large crater has formed interesting patterns on the floors of the smaller craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Williams, J. P.
2017-12-01
Corinto crater (16.95°N, 141.72°E), a 13.8 km diameter crater in Elysium Planitia, displays dramatic rays in Mars Odyssey's Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) nighttime infrared imagery where high concentrations of secondary craters have altered the thermophysical properties of the martian surface. The THEMIS observations provide a record of secondary crater formation in the region and ray segments are identified up to 2000 km ( 145 crater radii) distance [1][2]. Secondary craters are likely to have the largest influence on model surfaces ages between 0.1 to a few Myr as there is the potential for one or two sizeable craters to project secondary craters onto those surfaces and thus alter the crater size-frequency distribution (CSFD) with an instantaneous spike in crater production [3]. Corinto crater is estimated to be less than a few Ma [4] placing the formation of its secondaries within this formative time period. Secondary craters superposed on relatively young impact craters that predate Corinto provide observations of the secondary crater populations. Crater counts at 520 and 660 km distance from Corinto (38 and 48 crater radii respectively), were conducted. Higher crater densities were observed within ray segments, however secondary craters still influenced the CSFD where ray segments were not apparent, resulting in steepening in the CSFD. Randomness analysis confirms an increase in clustering as diameters decrease suggesting an increasing fraction of secondary craters at smaller diameters, both within the ray and outside. The counts demonstrate that even at nearly 50 crater radii, Corinto secondaries still influence the observed CSFD, even outside of any obvious rays. Crater populations used to derive model ages on many geologically young regions on Mars, such as glacial and periglacial landforms related to obliquity excursions that occur on 106 - 107 yr cycles, should be used cautiously and analyzed for any evidence, either morphologic or statistical, for secondary cratering that may potentially influence the derived age. [1] Williams et al. (2017) MAPS, in press. [2] Bloom et al. (2014) Mars 8th, #1289. [3] Hartmann and Daubar (2017), MAPS, 52, 493- 510. [4] Hundal et al. (2017), LPSC, #1726.
A global catalogue of Ceres impact craters ≥ 1 km and preliminary analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gou, Sheng; Yue, Zongyu; Di, Kaichang; Liu, Zhaoqin
2018-03-01
The orbital data products of Ceres, including global LAMO image mosaic and global HAMO DTM with a resolution of 35 m/pixel and 135 m/pixel respectively, are utilized in this research to create a global catalogue of impact craters with diameter ≥ 1 km, and their morphometric parameters are calculated. Statistics shows: (1) There are 29,219 craters in the catalogue, and the craters have a various morphologies, e.g., polygonal crater, floor fractured crater, complex crater with central peak, etc.; (2) The identifiable smallest crater size is extended to 1 km and the crater numbers have been updated when compared with the crater catalogue (D ≥ 20 km) released by the Dawn Science Team; (3) The d/D ratios for fresh simple craters, obviously degraded simple crater and polygonal simple crater are 0.11 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.04 and 0.14 ± 0.02 respectively. (4) The d/D ratios for non-polygonal complex crater and polygonal complex crater are 0.08 ± 0.04 and 0.09 ± 0.03. The global crater catalogue created in this work can be further applied to many other scientific researches, such as comparing d/D with other bodies, inferring subsurface properties, determining surface age, and estimating average erosion rate.
Crater Mound Formation by Wind Erosion on Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Steele, L. J.; Kite, E. S.; Michaels, T. I.
2018-01-01
Most of Mars' ancient sedimentary rocks by volume are in wind-eroded sedimentary mounds within impact craters and canyons, but the connections between mound form and wind erosion are unclear. We perform mesoscale simulations of different crater and mound morphologies to understand the formation of sedimentary mounds. As crater depth increases, slope winds produce increased erosion near the base of the crater wall, forming mounds. Peak erosion rates occur when the crater depth is ˜2 km. Mound evolution depends on the size of the host crater. In smaller craters mounds preferentially erode at the top, becoming more squat, while in larger craters mounds become steeper sided. This agrees with observations where smaller craters tend to have proportionally shorter mounds and larger craters have mounds encircled by moats. If a large-scale sedimentary layer blankets a crater, then as the layer recedes across the crater it will erode more toward the edges of the crater, resulting in a crescent-shaped moat. When a 160 km diameter mound-hosting crater is subject to a prevailing wind, the surface wind stress is stronger on the leeward side than on the windward side. This results in the center of the mound appearing to "march upwind" over time and forming a "bat-wing" shape, as is observed for Mount Sharp in Gale crater.
Rock spatial densities on the rims of the Tycho secondary craters in Mare Nectaris
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Basilevsky, A. T.; Michael, G. G.; Kozlova, N. A.
2018-04-01
The aim of this work is to check whether the technique of estimation of age of small lunar craters based on spatial density of rock boulders on their rims described in Basilevsky et al. (2013, 2015b) and Li et al. (2017) for the craters < 1 km in diameter is applicable to the larger craters. The work presents the rock counts on the rims of four craters having diameters 1000, 1100, 1240 and 1400 m located in Mare Nectaris. These craters are secondaries of the primary crater Tycho, whose age was found to be 109 ± 4 Ma (Stoffler and Ryder, 2001) so this may be taken as the age of the four craters, too. Using the dependence of the rock spatial densities at the crater rims on the crater age for the case of mare craters (Li et al., 2017) our measured rock densities correspond to ages from ∼100 to 130 Ma. These estimates are reasonably close to the given age of the primary crater Tycho. This, in turn, suggests that this technique of crater age estimation is applicable to craters up to ∼1.5 km in diameter. For the four considered craters we also measured their depth/diameter ratios and the maximum angles of the crater inner slopes. For the considered craters it was found that with increasing crater diameter, the depth/diameter ratios and maximum angles of internal slopes increase, but the values of these parameters for specific craters may deviate significantly from the general trends. The deviations probably result from some dissimilarities in the primary crater geometries, that may be due to crater to crater differences in characteristics of impactors (e.g., in their bulk densities) and/or differences in the mechanical properties of the target. It may be possible to find secondaries of crater Tycho in the South pole area and, if so, they may be studied to check the specifics and rates of the rock boulder degradation in the lunar polar environment.
Successive Formation of Impact Craters
2012-02-16
This image from NASA Dawn spacecraft shows two overlapping impact craters on asteroid Vesta. The rims of the craters are both reasonably fresh but the larger crater must be older because the smaller crater cuts across the larger crater rim.
The self-secondary crater population of the Hokusai crater on Mercury
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Zhiyong; Prieur, Nils C.; Werner, Stephanie C.
2016-07-01
Whether or not self-secondaries dominate small crater populations on continuous ejecta deposits and floors of fresh impact craters has long been a controversy. This issue potentially affects the age determination technique using crater statistics. Here the self-secondary crater population on the continuous ejecta deposits of the Hokusai crater on Mercury is unambiguously recognized. Superposition relationships show that this population was emplaced after both the ballistic sedimentation of excavation flows and the subsequent veneering of impact melt, but it predated the settlement and solidification of melt pools on the crater floor. Fragments that formed self-secondaries were launched via impact spallation with large angles. Complex craters on the Moon, Mercury, and Mars probably all have formed self-secondaries populations. Dating young craters using crater statistics on their continuous ejecta deposits can be misleading. Impact melt pools are less affected by self-secondaries. Overprint by subsequent crater populations with time reduces the predominance of self-secondaries.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Oscar Patterson Elementary Magnet School in Panama City, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy (far left) stands with (left to right) Bay County school board members Johnny Brock and Thelma Rohan, astronaut Sam Durrance and Panama City Commissioner Johnathon Wilson. Kennedy and Durrance and other NASA officials were at the school to share Americas new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers. Kennedy is talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASAs stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.
Interior and Ejecta Morphologies of Impact Craters on Ganymede
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barlow, Nadine G.; Klaybor, K.; Katz-Wigmore, J.
2006-09-01
We are utilizing Galileo SSI imagery of Ganymede to classify impact crater interior and ejecta morphologies. Although we are in the early stages of compiling our Catalog of Impact Craters on Ganymede, some interesting trends are beginning to emerge. Few craters display obvious ejecta morphologies, but 68 craters are classified as single layer ejecta and 3 as double layer ejecta. We see no obvious correlation of layered ejecta morphologies with terrain or latitude. All layered ejecta craters have diameters between 10 and 40 km. Sinuosity ("lobateness") and ejecta extent ("ejecta mobility ratio") of Ganymede layered ejecta craters are lower than for martian layered ejecta craters. This suggests less mobility of ejecta materials on Ganymede, perhaps due to the colder temperatures. Interior structures being investigated include central domes, peaks, and pits. 57 dome craters, 212 central peak craters, and 313 central pit craters have been identified. Central domes occur in 50-100 km diameter craters while peaks are found in craters between 20 and 50 km and central pit craters range between 29 and 74 km in diameter. The Galileo Regio region displays higher concentrations of central dome and central pit craters than other regions we have investigated. 67% of central pit craters studied to date are small pits, where the ratio of pit diameter to crater diameter is <0.2. Craters containing the three interior structures preferentially occur on darker terrain units, suggesting that an ice-silicate composition is more conducive to interior feature formation than pure ice alone. Results of this study have important implications not only for the formation of specific interior and ejecta morphologies on Ganymede but also for analogous features associated with Martian impact craters. This research is funded through NASA Outer Planets Research Program Award #NNG05G116G to N. G. Barlow.
Simultaneous impact and lunar craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Oberbeck, V. R.
1972-01-01
The existence of large terrestrial impact crater doublets and crater doublets that have been inferred to be impact craters on Mars suggests that simultaneous impact of two or more bodies can occur at nearly the same point on planetary surfaces. An experimental study of simultaneous impact of two projectiles near one another shows that doublet craters with ridges perpendicular to the bilateral axis of symmetry result when separation between impact points relative to individual crater diameter is large. When separation is progressively less, elliptical craters with central ridges and peaks, and circular craters with deep round bottoms are produced. These craters are similar in structure to many of the large lunar craters. Results suggest that the simultaneous impact of meteoroids near one another may be an important mechanism for the production of central peaks in large lunar craters.
Volatile-rich Crater Interior Deposits on Mars: An Energy Balance Model of Modification
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Russell, Patrick S.; Head, James W.; Hecht, Michael H.
2003-01-01
Several craters on Mars are partially filled by material emplaced by post-impact processes. Populations of such craters include those in the circumsouth polar cap region, in Arabia Terra, associated with the Medusae Fossae Formation, and in the northern lowlands proximal to the north polar cap. In this study, crater fill material refers to an interior mound, generally separated from the interior walls of the crater by a trough that may be continuous along the crater s circumference (i.e. a ring-shaped trough), or may only partially contact the crater walls (i.e. a crescent-shaped trough). The fill deposit is frequently off-center from the crater center and may be asymmetric, (i.e. not circular) in plan view shape. Here we test the hypothesis that asymmetries in volatile fill shape, profile, and center-location within a crater result from asymmetries in local energy balance within the crater due mainly to variation of solar insolation and radiative effects of the crater walls over the crater interior. We first focus on Korolev crater in the northern lowlands. We can then apply this model to other craters in different regions. If asymmetry in morphology and location of crater fill are consistent with radiative-dominated asymmetries in energy budget within the crater, then 1) the volatile-rich composition of the fill is supported (this process should not be effective at shaping volcanic or sedimentary deposits), and 2) the dominant factor determining the observed shape of volatile-rich crater fill is the local radiative energy budget within the crater (and erosive processes such as eolian deflation are not necessary).
Crater dimensions from apollo data and supplemental sources
Pike, R.J.
1976-01-01
A catalog of crater dimensions that were compiled mostly from the new Apollo-based Lunar Topographic Orthophotomaps is presented in its entirety. Values of crater diameter, depth, rim height, flank width, circularity, and floor diameter (where applicable) are tabulated for a sample of 484 craters on the Moon and 22 craters on Earth. Systematic techniques of mensuration are detailed. The lunar craters range in size from 400 m to 300 km across and include primary impact craters of the main sequence, secondary impact craters, craterlets atop domes and cones, and dark-halo craters. The terrestrial craters are between 10 m and 22.5 km in diameter and were formed by meteorite impact. ?? 1976 D. Reidel Publishing Company.
Methods of Estimating Initial Crater Depths on Icy Satellites using Stereo Topography
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Persaud, D. M.; Phillips, C. B.
2014-12-01
Stereo topography, combined with models of viscous relaxation of impact craters, allows for the study of the rheology and thermal history of icy satellites. An important step in calculating relaxation of craters is determining the initial depths of craters before viscous relaxation. Two methods for estimating initial crater depths on the icy satellites of Saturn have been previously discussed. White and Schenk (2013) present the craters of Iapetus as relatively unrelaxed in modeling the relaxation of craters of Rhea. Phillips et al. (2013) assume that Herschel crater on Saturn's satellite Mimas is unrelaxed in relaxation calculations and models of Rhea and Dione. In the second method, the depth of Herschel crater is scaled based on the different crater diameters and the difference in surface gravity on the large moons to predict the initial crater depths for Rhea and Dione. In the first method, since Iapetus is of similar size to Dione and Rhea, no gravity scaling is necessary; craters of similar size on Iapetus were chosen and their depths measured to determine the appropriate initial crater depths for Rhea. We test these methods by first extracting topographic profiles of impact craters on Iapetus from digital elevation models (DEMs) constructed from stereo images from the Cassini ISS instrument. We determined depths from these profiles and used them to calculate initial crater depths and relaxation percentages for Rhea and Dione craters using the methods described above. We first assumed that craters on Iapetus were relaxed, and compared the results to previously calculated relaxation percentages for Rhea and Dione relative to Herschel crater (with appropriate scaling for gravity and crater diameter). We then tested the assumption that craters on Iapetus were unrelaxed and used our new measurements of crater depth to determine relaxation percentages for Dione and Rhea. We will present results and conclusions from both methods and discuss their efficacy for determining initial crater depth. References: Phillips, C.B., et al. (2013). Lunar Planet Sci. XLIV, abstract 2766. White, O.L., and P.L. Schenk. Icarus 23, 699-709, 2013. This work was supported by the NASA Outer Planets Research Program grant NNX10AQ09G and by the NSF REU Program.
Elevation and igneous crater modification on Venus: Implications for magmatic volatile content
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wichman, R. W.
1993-01-01
Although most impact craters on Venus preserve nearly pristine crater rim and ejecta features, a small number of craters have been identified showing clear evidence of either igneous intrusion emplacement (floor-fracturing) beneath the crater floor or of volcanically embayed exterior ejecta deposits. Since the volcanically embayed craters consistently occur at higher elevations than the identified floor-fractured craters, this report proposes that igneous crater modification on Venus is elevation dependent. This report describes how regional variations in magmatic neutral buoyancy could produce such elevation dependent crater modification and considers the implications for typical magmatic volatile contents on Venus.
Size-Frequency Distribution of Small Lunar Craters: Widening with Degradation and Crater Lifetime
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ivanov, B. A.
2018-01-01
The review and new measurements are presented for depth/diameter ratio and slope angle evolution during small ( D < 1 km) lunar impact craters aging (degradation). Comparative analysis of available data on the areal cratering density and on the crater degradation state for selected craters, dated with returned Apollo samples, in the first approximation confirms Neukum's chronological model. The uncertainty of crater retention age due to crater degradational widening is estimated. The collected and analyzed data are discussed to be used in the future updating of mechanical models for lunar crater aging.
Physical properties of lunar craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Joshi, Maitri P.; Bhatt, Kushal P.; Jain, Rajmal
2017-02-01
The surface of the Moon is highly cratered due to impacts of meteorites, asteroids, comets and other celestial objects. The origin, size, structure, age and composition vary among craters. We study a total of 339 craters observed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC). Out of these 339 craters, 214 craters are known (named craters included in the IAU Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature) and 125 craters are unknown (craters that are not named and objects that are absent in the IAU Gazetteer). We employ images taken by LROC at the North and South Poles and near side of the Moon. We report for the first time the study of unknown craters, while we also review the study of known craters conducted earlier by previous researchers. Our study is focused on measurements of diameter, depth, latitude and longitude of each crater for both known and unknown craters. The diameter measurements are based on considering the Moon to be a spherical body. The LROC website also provides a plot which enables us to measure the depth and diameter. We found that out of 214 known craters, 161 craters follow a linear relationship between depth (d) and diameter (D), but 53 craters do not follow this linear relationship. We study physical dimensions of these 53 craters and found that either the depth does not change significantly with diameter or the depths are extremely high relative to diameter (conical). Similarly, out of 125 unknown craters, 78 craters follow the linear relationship between depth (d) and diameter (D) but 47 craters do not follow the linear relationship. We propose that the craters following the scaling law of depth and diameter, also popularly known as the linear relationship between d and D, are formed by the impact of meteorites having heavy metals with larger dimension, while those with larger diameter but less depth are formed by meteorites/celestial objects having low density material but larger diameter. The craters with very high depth and with very small diameter are perhaps formed by the impact of meteorites that have very high density but small diameter with a conical shape. Based on analysis of the data selected for the current investigation, we further found that out of 339 craters, 100 (29.5%) craters exist near the equator, 131 (38.6%) are in the northern hemisphere and 108 (31.80%) are in the southern hemisphere. This suggests the Moon is heavily cratered at higher latitudes and near the equatorial zone.
Geomorphology of crater and basin deposits - Emplacement of the Fra Mauro formation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Morrison, R. H.; Oberbeck, V. R.
1975-01-01
Characteristics of continuous deposits near lunar craters larger than about 1 km wide are considered, and it is concluded that (1) concentric dunes, radial ridges, and braided lineations result from deposition of the collision products of ejecta from adjacent pairs of similarly oriented secondary-crater chains and are, therefore, concentrations of secondary-crater ejecta; (2) intracrater ridges are produced within preexisting craters surrounding a fresh primary crater by ricocheting and focusing of secondary-crater ejecta from the preexisting craters' walls; and (3) secondary cratering has produced many of the structures of the continuous deposits of relatively small lunar craters and is the dominant process for emplacement of most of the radial facies of the continuous deposits of large lunar craters and basins. The percentages of Imbrium ejecta in deposits and the nature of Imbrium sculpturing are investigated.
Cratering on Ceres: Implications for its crust and evolution
Hiesinger, H.; Marchi, S.; Schmedemann, N.; Schenk, P.; Pasckert, J. H.; Neesemann, A.; O'Brien, D. P.; Kneissl, T.; Ermakov, A.; Fu, R.R.; Bland, M. T.; Nathues, A.; Platz, T.; Williams, D.A.; Jaumann, R.; Castillo-Rogez, J. C.; Ruesch, O.; Schmidt, B.; Park, R.S.; Preusker, F.; Buczkowski, D.L.; Russell, C.T.; Raymond, C.A.
2016-01-01
Thermochemical models have predicted that Ceres, is to some extent, differentiated and should have an icy crust with few or no impact craters. We present observations by the Dawn spacecraft that reveal a heavily cratered surface, a heterogeneous crater distribution, and an apparent absence of large craters. The morphology of some impact craters is consistent with ice in the subsurface, which might have favored relaxation, yet large unrelaxed craters are also present. Numerous craters exhibit polygonal shapes, terraces, flowlike features, slumping, smooth deposits, and bright spots. Crater morphology and simple-to-complex crater transition diameters indicate that the crust of Ceres is neither purely icy nor rocky. By dating a smooth region associated with the Kerwan crater, we determined absolute model ages (AMAs) of 550 million and 720 million years, depending on the applied chronology model.
Centrifuge impact cratering experiment 5
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1984-01-01
Transient crates motions, cratering flow fields, crates dynamics, determining impact conditions from total crater welt, centrifuge quarter-space cratering, and impact cratering mechanics research is documented.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Parker, T. J.; Pieri, D. C.
1985-01-01
Flow ejecta craters - craters surrounded by lobate ejecta blankets - are found throughout the study area. The ratio of the crater's diameter to that of the flow ejecta in this region is approximately 40 to 45%. Flow ejecta craters are dominantly sharply defined craters, with slightly degraded craters being somewhat less common. This is probably indicative of the ejecta's relatively low resistence to weathering and susceptibility to burial. Flow ejecta craters here seem to occur within a narrow range of crater sizes - the smallest being about 4km in diameter and the largest being about 27km in diameter. Ejecta blankets of craters at 4km are easily seen and those of smaller craters are simply not seen even in images with better than average resolution for the region. This may be due to the depth of excavation of small impacting bodies being insufficient to reach volatile-rich material. Flow ejecta craters above 24km are rare, and those craters above 27km do not display flow ejecta blankets. This may be a result of an excavation depth so great that the volatile content of the ejecta is insufficient to form a fluid ejecta blanket. The geomorphic/geologic unit appears also to play an important role in the formation of flow ejecta craters. Given the typical size range for the occurrence of flow ejecta craters for most units, it can be seen that the percentage of flow ejecta craters to the total number of craters within this size range varies significantly from one unit to the next. The wide variance in flow ejecta crater density over this relatively small geographical area argues strongly for a lithologic control of their distribution.
Spatial distribution of impact craters on Deimos
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hirata, Naoyuki
2017-05-01
Deimos, one of the Martian moons, has numerous impact craters. However, it is unclear whether crater saturation has been reached on this satellite. To address this issue, we apply a statistical test known as nearest-neighbor analysis to analyze the crater distribution of Deimos. When a planetary surface such as the Moon is saturated with impact craters, the spatial distribution of craters is generally changed from random to more ordered. We measured impact craters on Deimos from Viking and HiRISE images and found (1) that the power law of the size-frequency distribution of the craters is approximately -1.7, which is significantly shallower than those of potential impactors, and (2) that the spatial distribution of craters over 30 m in diameter cannot be statistically distinguished from completely random distribution, which indicates that the surface of Deimos is inconsistent with a surface saturated with impact craters. Although a crater size-frequency distribution curve with a slope of -2 is generally interpreted as indicating saturation equilibrium, it is here proposed that two competing mechanisms, seismic shaking and ejecta emplacement, have played a major role in erasing craters on Deimos and are therefore responsible for the shallow slope of this curve. The observed crater density may have reached steady state owing to the obliterations induced by the two competing mechanisms. Such an occurrence indicates that the surface is saturated with impact craters despite the random distribution of craters on Deimos. Therefore, this work proposes that the age determined by the current craters on Deimos reflects neither the age of Deimos itself nor that of the formation of the large concavity centered at its south pole because craters should be removed by later impacts. However, a few of the largest craters on Deimos may be indicative of the age of the south pole event.
Cratering history of Miranda: Implications for geologic processes
Plescia, J.B.
1988-01-01
Miranda's surface is divisible into cratered terrain and coronae. The cratered terrain is the most heavily cratered of the terrains and presumably is the oldest. The frequency of craters in the cratered terrain is variable and related to position on the satellite. The coronae are also variably cratered. Elsinore and Arden Coronae have similar crater frequencies and may have formed simultaneously. They are of intermediate agompared to the cratered terrain and to Inverness Corona, which is the youngest major terrain. Graben formation appears to have occured both before and after the formation of the coronae reflecting periods of global expansion. Miranda's surfaces are, in general, the least cratered and therefore inferred to be the youngest within the Uranian system. ?? 1988.
Impact craters on Venus: An overview from Magellan observations
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schaber, G. G.; Strom, R. G.; Moore, H. J.; Soderblom, L. A.; Kirk, R. L.; Chadwick, D. J.; Dawson, D. D.; Gaddis, L. R.; Boyce, J. M.; Russell, J.
1992-01-01
Magellan has revealed an ensemble of impact craters on Venus that is unique in many important ways. We have compiled a database describing 842 craters on 89 percent of the planet's surface mapped through orbit 2578 (the craters range in diameter from 1.5 to 280 km). We have studied the distribution, size-frequency, morphology, and geology of these craters both in aggregate and, for some craters, in more detail. We have found the following: (1) the spatial distribution of craters is highly uniform; (2) the size-density distribution of craters with diameters greater than or equal to 35 km is consistent with a 'production' population having a surprisingly young age of about 0.5 Ga (based on the estimated population of Venus-crossing asteroids); (3) the spectrum of crater modification differs greatly from that on other planets--62 percent of all craters are pristine, only 4 percent volcanically embayed, and the remainder affected by tectonism, but none are severely and progressively depleted based on size-density distribution extrapolated from larger craters; (4) large craters have a progression of morphologies generally similar to those on other planets, but small craters are typically irregular or multiple rather than bowl shaped; (5) diffuse radar-bright or -dark features surround some craters, and about 370 similar diffuse 'splotches' with no central crater are observed whose size-density distribution is similar to that of small craters; and (6) other features unique to Venus include radar-bright or -dark parabolic arcs opening westward and extensive outflows originating in crater ejecta.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roddy, D. J.
1977-01-01
A tabular outline of comparative data is presented for 340 basic dimensional, morphological, and structural parameters and related aspects for three craters of the flat-floored, central uplift type, two of which are natural terrestrial impact craters and one is a large-scale experimental explosion crater. The three craters are part of a general class, in terms of their morphology and structural deformation that is represented on each of the terrestrial planets including the moon. One of the considered craters, the Flynn Creek Crater, was formed by a hypervelocity impact event approximately 360 m.y. ago in what is now north central Tennessee. The impacting body appears to have been a carbonaceous chondrite or a cometary mass. The second crater, the Steinheim Crater, was formed by an impact event approximately 14.7 m.y. ago in what is now southwestern Germany. The Snowball Crater was formed by the detonation of a 500-ton TNT hemisphere on flat-lying, unconsolidated alluvium in Alberta, Canada.
Experimental simulation of impact cratering on icy satellites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greeley, R.; Fink, J. H.; Gault, D. E.; Guest, J. E.
1982-01-01
Cratering processes on icy satellites were simulated in a series of 102 laboratory impact experiments involving a wide range of target materials. For impacts into homogeneous clay slurries with impact energies ranging from five million to ten billion ergs, target yield strengths ranged from 100 to 38 Pa, and apparent viscosities ranged from 8 to 200 Pa s. Bowl-shaped craters, flat-floored craters, central peak craters with high or little relief, and craters with no relief were observed. Crater diameters increased steadily as energies were raised. A similar sequence was seen for experiment in which impact energy was held constant but target viscosity and strength progressively decreases. The experiments suggest that the physical properties of the target media relative to the gravitationally induced stresses determined the final crater morphology. Crater palimpsests could form by prompt collapse of large central peak craters formed in low target strength materials. Ages estimated from crater size-frequency distributions that include these large craters may give values that are too high.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Leith, Andrew C.; Mckinnon, William B.
1991-01-01
The effective cohesion of the cratered region during crater collapse is determined via the widths of slump terraces of complex craters. Terrace widths are measured for complex craters on Mercury; these generally increase outward toward the rim for a given crater, and the width of the outermost major terrace is generally an increasing function of crater diameter. The terrace widths on Mercury and a gravity-driven slump model are used to estimate the strength of the cratered region immediately after impact (about 1-2 MPa). A comparison with the previous study of lunar complex craters by Pearce and Melosh (1986) indicates that the transient strength of cratered Mercurian crust is no greater than that of the moon. The strength estimates vary only slightly with the geometric model used to restore the outermost major terrace to its precollapse configuration and are consistent with independent strength estimates from the simple-to-complex crater depth/diameter transition.
Craters on Earth, Moon, and Mars: Multivariate classification and mode of origin
Pike, R.J.
1974-01-01
Testing extraterrestrial craters and candidate terrestrial analogs for morphologic similitude is treated as a problem in numerical taxonomy. According to a principal-components solution and a cluster analysis, 402 representative craters on the Earth, the Moon, and Mars divide into two major classes of contrasting shapes and modes of origin. Craters of net accumulation of material (cratered lunar domes, Martian "calderas," and all terrestrial volcanoes except maars and tuff rings) group apart from craters of excavation (terrestrial meteorite impact and experimental explosion craters, typical Martian craters, and all other lunar craters). Maars and tuff rings belong to neither group but are transitional. The classification criteria are four independent attributes of topographic geometry derived from seven descriptive variables by the principal-components transformation. Morphometric differences between crater bowl and raised rim constitute the strongest of the four components. Although single topographic variables cannot confidently predict the genesis of individual extraterrestrial craters, multivariate statistical models constructed from several variables can distinguish consistently between large impact craters and volcanoes. ?? 1974.
Application of high explosion cratering data to planetary problems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Oberbeck, V. R.
1977-01-01
The present paper deals with the conditions of explosion or nuclear cratering required to simulate impact crater formation. Some planetary problems associated with three different aspects of crater formation are discussed, and solutions based on high-explosion data are proposed. Structures of impact craters and some selected explosion craters formed in layered media are examined and are related to the structure of lunar basins. The mode of ejection of material from impact craters is identified using explosion analogs. The ejection mode is shown to have important implications for the origin of material in crater and basin deposits. Equally important are the populations of secondary craters on lunar and planetary surfaces.
Paradigm lost: Venus crater depths and the role of gravity in crater modification
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sharpton, Virgil L.
1992-01-01
Previous to Magellan, a convincing case had been assembled that predicted that complex impact craters on Venus were considerably shallower than their counterparts on Mars, Mercury, the Moon, and perhaps even Earth. This was fueled primarily by the morphometric observation that, for a given diameter (D), crater depth (d) seems to scale inversely with surface gravity for the other planets in the inner solar system. The unpredicted depth of fresh impact craters on Venus argues against a simple inverse relationship between surface gravity and crater depth. Factors that could contribute to deep craters on Venus include (1) more efficient excavation on Venus, possibly reflecting rheological effects of the hot venusian environment; (2) more melting and efficient removal of melt from the crater cavity; and (3) enhanced ejection of material out of the crater, possibly as a result of entrainment in an atmosphere set in motion by the passage of the projectile. The broader issue raised by the venusian crater depths is whether surface gravity is the predominant influence on crater depths on any planet. While inverse gravity scaling of crater depths has been a useful paradigm in planetary cratering, the venusian data do not support this model and the terrestrial data are equivocal at best. The hypothesis that planetary gravity is the primary influence over crater depths and the paradigm that terrestrial craters are shallow should be reevaluated.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barlow, Nadine G.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Cornwall, Carin
2014-09-01
Low-Aspect-Ratio Layered Ejecta (LARLE) craters are a unique landform found on Mars. LARLE craters are characterized by a crater and normal layered ejecta pattern surrounded by an extensive but thin outer deposit which terminates in a sinuous, almost flame-like morphology. We have conducted a survey to identify all LARLE craters ⩾1-km-diameter within the ±75° latitude zone and to determine their morphologic and morphometric characteristics. The survey reveals 140 LARLE craters, with the majority (91%) located poleward of 40°S and 35°N and all occurring within thick mantles of fine-grained deposits which are likely ice-rich. LARLE craters range in diameter from the cut-off limit of 1 km up to 12.2 km, with 83% being smaller than 5 km. The radius of the outer LARLE deposit displays a linear trend with the crater radius and is greatest at higher polar latitudes. The LARLE deposit ranges in length between 2.56 and 14.81 crater radii in average extent, with maximum length extending up to 21.4 crater radii. The LARLE layer is very sinuous, with lobateness values ranging between 1.45 and 4.35. LARLE craters display a number of characteristics in common with pedestal craters and we propose that pedestal craters are eroded versions of LARLE craters. The distribution and characteristics of the LARLE craters lead us to propose that impact excavation into ice-rich fine-grained deposits produces a dusty base surge cloud (like those produced by explosion craters) that deposits dust and ice particles to create the LARLE layers. Salts emplaced by upward migration of water through the LARLE deposit produce a surficial duricrust layer which protects the deposit from immediate removal by eolian processes.
Morphometry of impact craters on Mercury from MESSENGER altimetry and imaging
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Susorney, Hannah C. M.; Barnouin, Olivier S.; Ernst, Carolyn M.; Johnson, Catherine L.
2016-06-01
Data acquired by the Mercury Laser Altimeter and the Mercury Dual Imaging System on the MESSENGER spacecraft in orbit about Mercury provide a means to measure the geometry of many of the impact craters in Mercury's northern hemisphere in detail for the first time. The combination of topographic and imaging data permit a systematic evaluation of impact crater morphometry on Mercury, a new calculation of the diameter Dt at which craters transition with increasing diameter from simple to complex forms, and an exploration of the role of target properties and impact velocity on final crater size and shape. Measurements of impact crater depth on Mercury confirm results from previous studies, with the exception that the depths of large complex craters are typically shallower at a given diameter than reported from Mariner 10 data. Secondary craters on Mercury are generally shallower than primary craters of the same diameter. No significant differences are observed between the depths of craters within heavily cratered terrain and those of craters within smooth plains. The morphological attributes of craters that reflect the transition from simple to complex craters do not appear at the same diameter; instead flat floors first appear with increasing diameter in craters at the smallest diameters, followed with increasing diameter by reduced crater depth and rim height, and then collapse and terracing of crater walls. Differences reported by others in Dt between Mercury and Mars (despite the similar surface gravitational acceleration on the two bodies) are confirmed in this study. The variations in Dt between Mercury and Mars cannot be adequately attributed to differences in either surface properties or mean projectile velocity.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
De Hon, R. A.
1980-01-01
Craters vary in morphology as a function of crater diameter, age, and mode of origin. This study concentrates on the morphology of young lunar impact craters within a limited size range. Elimination of morphologic variations generally attributed to crater size or age leaves a small population which should nearly reflect the varying properties of the lunar substrate. The sample consists of 17 craters 15-20 km in diameter with both simple and complex morphologies. While depth/diameter ratios do not obviously differ between mare and highland subsets, apparent depth, rim height, and profile data do differ distinctly. Highland craters tend to be deep, simple, and bowl-shaped. Mare craters tend to be shallow and flat-floored. Rim heights of complex mare craters are typically greater than those of simple craters. Differences of highland and mare crater morphologies are attributed to variations in the thickness of the lunar megaregolith. Highland craters in this size range do not penetrate the megaregolith. The depth and morphology of complex craters are controlled by the discontinuity at the transition from highly brecciated megaregolith to more coherent crystalline material of the upper crust.
Relative depths of simple craters and the nature of the lunar regolith
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stopar, Julie D.; Robinson, Mark S.; Barnouin, Olivier S.; McEwen, Alfred S.; Speyerer, Emerson J.; Henriksen, Megan R.; Sutton, Sarah S.
2017-12-01
We assessed the morphologies of more than 930 simple impact craters (diameters 40 m-10 km) on the Moon using digital terrain models (DTMs) of a variety of terrains in order to characterize the variability of fresh crater morphology as a function of crater diameter. From Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) DTMs, we determined depth-to-diameter (d/D) ratios for an extremely fresh set of these craters with diameters less than 400 m and found that their d/D ratios range from 0.11 to 0.17. Using both NAC and Kaguya Terrain Camera DTMs, we also determined the d/D ratios for the set of fresh simple craters larger than 400 m in diameter. The d/D ratios of these larger craters are typically near 0.21, as expected of gravity-dominated crater excavation. Fresh craters less than ∼400 m in diameter, on the other hand, exhibit significantly lower d/D ratios. Various possible factors affect the morphologies and relative depths (d/D ratios) of small strength-dominated craters, including impactor and target properties (e.g., effective strength, strength contrasts, porosity, pre-existing weaknesses), impact angle and velocity, and degradation state. While impact conditions resulting from secondary impacts can also affect crater morphologies, we found that d/D ratio alone was not a unique discriminator of small secondary craters. To investigate the relative influences of degradation and target properties on the d/D ratios of small strength-dominated craters, we examined a subset of fresh craters located on the geologically young rim deposits of Tycho crater. These craters are deeper and steeper than other craters of similar diameter and degradation state, consistent with their relative freshness and formation in the relatively coherent, melt-rich deposits in this region. The d/D ratios of globally distributed small craters of similar degradation state and size range, on the other hand, are relatively shallow with lower average wall slopes, consistent with crater excavation in a weak or poorly cohesive layer. The widespread predominance of these small, shallow craters is consistent with the pervasive, poorly cohesive upper regolith.
Marine-target craters on Mars? An assessment study
Ormo, J.; Dohm, J.M.; Ferris, J.C.; Lepinette, A.; Fairen, A.G.
2004-01-01
Observations of impact craters on Earth show that a water column at the target strongly influences lithology and morphology of the resultant crater. The degree of influence varies with the target water depth and impactor diameter. Morphological features detectable in satellite imagery include a concentric shape with an inner crater inset within a shallower outer crater, which is cut by gullies excavated by the resurge of water. In this study, we show that if oceans, large seas, and lakes existed on Mars for periods of time, marine-target craters must have formed. We make an assessment of the minimum and maximum amounts of such craters based on published data on water depths, extent, and duration of putative oceans within "contacts 1 and 2," cratering rate during the different oceanic phases, and computer modeling of minimum impactor diameters required to form long-lasting craters in the seafloor of the oceans. We also discuss the influence of erosion and sedimentation on the preservation and exposure of the craters. For an ocean within the smaller "contact 2" with a duration of 100,000 yr and the low present crater formation rate, only ???1-2 detectable marine-target craters would have formed. In a maximum estimate with a duration of 0.8 Gyr, as many as 1400 craters may have formed. An ocean within the larger "contact 1-Meridiani," with a duration of 100,000 yr, would not have received any seafloor craters despite the higher crater formation rate estimated before 3.5 Gyr. On the other hand, with a maximum duration of 0.8 Gyr, about 160 seafloor craters may have formed. However, terrestrial examples show that most marine-target craters may be covered by thick sediments. Ground penetrating radar surveys planned for the ESA Mars Express and NASA 2005 missions may reveal buried craters, though it is uncertain if the resolution will allow the detection of diagnostic features of marine-target craters. The implications regarding the discovery of marine-target craters on Mars is not without significance, as such discoveries would help address the ongoing debate of whether large water bodies occupied the northern plains of Mars and would help constrain future paleoclimatic reconstructions. ?? Meteoritical Society, 2004.
Occurrence and mechanisms of impact melt emplacement at small lunar craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stopar, Julie D.; Hawke, B. Ray; Robinson, Mark S.; Denevi, Brett W.; Giguere, Thomas A.; Koeber, Steven D.
2014-11-01
Using observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), we assess the frequency and occurrence of impact melt at simple craters less than 5 km in diameter. Nine-hundred-and-fifty fresh, randomly distributed impact craters were identified for study based on their maturity, albedo, and preservation state. The occurrence, frequency, and distribution of impact melt deposits associated with these craters, particularly ponded melt and lobate flows, are diagnostic of melt emplacement mechanisms. Like larger craters, those smaller than a few kilometers in diameter often exhibit ponded melt on the crater floor as well as lobate flows near the crater rim crest. The morphologies of these deposits suggest gravity-driven flow while the melt was molten. Impact melt deposits emplaced as veneers and ;sprays;, thin layers of ejecta that drape other crater materials, indicate deposition late in the cratering process; the deposits of fine sprays are particularly sensitive to degradation. Exterior melt deposits found near the rims of a few dozen craters are distributed asymmetrically around the crater and are rare at craters less than 2 km in diameter. Pre-existing topography plays a role in the occurrence and distribution of these melt deposits, particularly for craters smaller than 1 km in diameter, but does not account for all observed asymmetries in impact melt distribution. The observed relative abundance and frequency of ponded melt and flows in and around simple lunar craters increases with crater diameter, as was previously predicted from models. However, impact melt deposits are found more commonly at simple lunar craters (i.e., those less than a few kilometers in diameter) than previously expected. Ponded melt deposits are observed in roughly 15% of fresh craters smaller than 300 m in diameter and 80% of fresh craters between 600 m and 5 km in diameter. Furthermore, melt deposits are observed at roughly twice as many non-mare craters than at mare craters. We infer that the distributions and occurrences of impact melt are strongly influenced by impact velocity and angle, target porosity, pre-existing topography, and degradation. Additionally, areally small and volumetrically thin melt deposits are sensitive to mixing with solid debris and/or burial during the modification stage of impact cratering as well as post-cratering degradation. Thus, the production of melt at craters less than ∼800 m in diameter is likely greater than inferred from the present occurrence of melt deposits, which is rapidly affected by ongoing degradation processes.
Apollo 12 Mission image - High oblique view of crater Copernicus and Carpathian Mt. range
1969-11-19
AS12-47-6876 (November 1969) --- An Apollo 12 high-oblique view of the lunar nearside looking northeast toward the crater Copernicus (in center near horizon), as photographed from lunar orbit. The shaded crater in the foreground is Reinhold. Reinhold B is the crater next to Reinhold which as the small crater in the center of it. Also, visible is the keyhole-shaped crater Fauth near the crater Copernicus.
An assessment of crater erosional histories on the Earth and Mars using digital terrain models.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Paul, R. L.; Muller, J.-P.; Murray, J. B.
The research will examine quantitatively the geomorphology of both Terrestrial and Martian craters. The erosional and sub-surface processes will be investigated to understand how these affect a crater's morphology. For example, the Barringer crater in Arizona has an unusual shape. The Earth has a very high percentage of water both in the atmosphere as clouds or rain and under the surface. The presence of water will therefore affect a crater's formation and its subsequent erosional modification. On Mars there is little or no water present currently, though recent observations suggest there may be near-surface ice in some areas. How do craters formed in the Martian environment therefore differ from Terrestrial ones? How has the structure of Martian craters changed in areas of possible fluvial activity? How does the surface material affect crater formation? How does the Earth's fluvial activity affect a crater's evolution? At present, four measurements of circularity have been used to describe a crater (Murray & Guest, 1972). These parameters will be re-examined to see how effectively they describe Terrestrial and Martian craters using high resolution DTMs which were not available at the time of the original study. The model described by Forsberg-Taylor et al. 2004, and others will also be applied to results obtained from the chosen craters to assess how effectively these craters are described. Both hypsometric curves and hydrological analysis will be used to assess crater evolution. A suitable criterion for the selection of Terrestrial and Martian craters is essential for this type of research. Terrestrial craters have been selected in arid or semi-arid terrain with crater diameters larger than one kilometre. Craters less than five million years old would be ideal. However, this was too restrictive and so a variety of crater ages have had to be used. Eight terrestrial craters have been selected in arid or semi-arid areas for study, using the Earth Impact Database and ICEDS. These are: Barringer, Arizona, U.S.A; Goat Paddock, West Australia; Ouarkziz, Algeria; Roter Kamm, Namibia; Talemzane, Algeria; Tenoumer, Mauritania; Tswaing, South Africa 1 and Upheaval Dome, Utah, U.S.A. Comparable Martian craters are in the process of being chosen using the USGS PIGWAD database and the Morphological Catalogue of the Craters of Mars. Digital Terrain Models of each crater using SRTM DEMs and data from the recent Mars Express HRSC will be used at various resolutions (30m upwards) to provide three dimensional models to assess the capabilities of measuring erosional effects. There is also available ASTER DEMs and ASTER Level 1A for terrestrial craters and MOLA tracks for Martian craters. Both laboratory and theoretical models of crater shape and erosion features will provide a better understanding of the processes observed. This will enable us to develop a better explanation of why craters are the shape they are. References. Barlow N., 1987, Crater Size-Frequency Distribution and a Revised Martian Relative Chronology, Icarus, 75, 285-305. Barlow, N., 1995, The degradation of impact craters in Maja Valles and Arabia Mars, Journal GeoPhys. Res., 100, 23307-23316. Earth Impact Database http://www.unb.ca/passc/ImpactDatabase/ Earth PIGWAD database http://webgis.wr.usgs.gov/website/mars%5Fcrater%5Fhtml/viewer.htm ICEDS http://iceds.ge.ucl.ac.uk/ Morphology Catalogue of the Craters of Mars http://selena.sai.msu.ru/Home/Mars_Cat/Mars_Cat.htm Murray J.B, Guest J.E, 1970, Circularities of craters and related structures on Earth and Moon, Modern Geology, 1, 149-159. Forsberg-Taylor N., Howard A.D., 2004, Crater degradation in the Martian Highlands: Morphometric Analysis of the Sinus Sabaeus region and simulation modelling suggest fluvial processes, Journal GeoPhys Res., 109, E05002. 2
Small Rayed Crater Ejecta Retention Age Calculated from Current Crater Production Rates on Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Calef, F. J. III; Herrick, R. R.; Sharpton, V. L.
2011-01-01
Ejecta from impact craters, while extant, records erosive and depositional processes on their surfaces. Estimating ejecta retention age (Eret), the time span when ejecta remains recognizable around a crater, can be applied to estimate the timescale that surface processes operate on, thereby obtaining a history of geologic activity. However, the abundance of sub-kilometer diameter (D) craters identifiable in high resolution Mars imagery has led to questions of accuracy in absolute crater dating and hence ejecta retention ages (Eret). This research calculates the maximum Eret for small rayed impact craters (SRC) on Mars using estimates of the Martian impactor flux adjusted for meteorite ablation losses in the atmosphere. In addition, we utilize the diameter-distance relationship of secondary cratering to adjust crater counts in the vicinity of the large primary crater Zunil.
Regional variations in degradation and density of Martian craters.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mcgill, G. E.; Wise, D. U.
1972-01-01
Martian craters visible on Mariner 6 and 7 imagery show a spectrum of topographic types from very fresh to highly degraded. A method of numerical scoring of rim, wall, and floor is proposed to yield a degradation number to classify each crater. Plots of degradation class vs density of large craters are similar for all four regions studied, whereas similar plots for small craters show marked differences between regions. The data suggest general continuity of crater formation and degradation, along with locally sporadic formation and/or degradation of the smallest craters classified. Deucalionis Regio, with an excess of fresh, small craters, experienced an episode of small crater formation (or nondegradation) most recently; Margaritifer Sinus was similarly disturbed at some more remote time. Meridiani Sinus and Hellespontus-Noachis show little or no sign of excess fresh, small craters.
Rampart craters on Ganymede: Their implications for fluidized ejecta emplacement
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Boyce, Joseph; Barlow, Nadine; Mouginis-Mark, Peter; Stewart, Sarah
2010-04-01
Some fresh impact craters on Ganymede have the overall ejecta morphology similar to Martian double-layer ejecta (DLE), with the exception of the crater Nergal that is most like Martian single layer ejecta (SLE) craters (as is the terrestrial crater Lonar). Similar craters also have been identified on Europa, but no outer ejecta layer has been found on these craters. The morphometry of these craters suggests that the types of layered ejecta craters identified by Barlow et al. (2000) are fundamental. In addition, the mere existence of these craters on Ganymede and Europa suggests that an atmosphere is not required for ejecta fluidization, nor can ejecta fluidization be explained by the flow of dry ejecta. Moreover, the absence of fluidized ejecta on other icy bodies suggests that abundant volatiles in the target also may not be the sole cause of ejecta fluidization. The restriction of these craters to the grooved terrain of Ganymede and the concentration of Martian DLE craters on the northern lowlands suggests that these terrains may share key characteristics that control the development of the ejecta of these craters. In addition, average ejecta mobility (EM) ratios indicate that the ejecta of these bodies are self-similar with crater size, but are systematically smaller on Ganymede and Europa. This may be due to the effects of the abundant ice in the crusts of these satellites that results in increased ejection angle causing ejecta to impact closer to the crater and with lower horizontal velocity.
Impact Craters: Size-Dependent Degration Rates
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ravi, S.; Mahanti, P.; Meyer, H. M.; Robinson, M. S.
2017-12-01
From superposition relations, Shoemaker and Hackman (1) devised the lunar geologic timescale with Copernican and Eratosthenian as the most recent periods. Classifying craters into the two periods is key to understanding impactor flux and regolith maturation rates over the last 3 Ga. Both Copernican and Eratosthenian craters exhibit crisp morphologies (sharp rims, steep slopes), however, only the former exhibit high reflectance rays and ejecta (1). Based on the Optical Maturity Parameter (OMAT; 2), Grier et al. (3) classified 50 fresh craters (D >20 km) into 3 categories - young (OMAT >0.22), intermediate, and old (OMAT <0.16). In our previous work, Copernican craters (D > 10) were identified (4) from a catalogue of 11,875 craters (5). In this work; we compare two size ranges (D: 5 km - 10 km and 10 km to 15 km) of 177 Copernican craters based on the average OMAT, measured near the crater rim (3). OMAT is measured at the crater rim (as opposed to further away from the crater) to minimize the influence of spatial variation of OMAT (6) in our investigation. We found that OMAT values are typically lower for smaller craters (5km < D < 10km) in comparison to larger craters (10km < D < 15km). However, when compared against morphological freshness (as determined by d/D for simpler craters), the smaller craters were fresher (higher d/D value). Since the OMAT value decreases with age, craters with higher d/D value (morphologically fresher) should have higher OMAT, but this is not the case. We propose that quicker loss of OMAT (over time) for smaller craters compared to decrease in d/D with crater ageing, is responsible for the observed decreased OMAT for smaller craters. (1) Shoemaker and Hackman, 1962 (2) Lucey et al., 2000 (3) Grier et al., 2001 (4) Ravi et al., 2016 (5) Reinhold et al., 2015 (6) Mahanti et al., 2016
Ancient fluvial processes in the equatorial highlands of Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Craddock, Robert A.; Maxwell, Ted A.
1991-01-01
Martian highland craters typically lack ejecta deposits, have no noticeable rim, and are flat floored. In addition, crater size frequency distribution curves show that highland craters have depleted populations less than 20 km in diameter. A variety of processes have been suggested to explain these observations including deposition of aeolian or volcanic materials up to the crater rim crests, thermal creep, terrain softening, and mass wasting. However, none of these processes adequately explains both the crater morphology and population distribution. In order to explain both the Martian highland crater morphology and population distribution, a fluvial process is proposed which is capable of removing the loose crater rim material. The resulting effect is to decrease the crater diameter, thereby causing the population curves to bendover. The eroded material is redistributed, burying or partially burying smaller diameter craters before complete erosion. This material may also be deposited into local topographic lows, creating the depositional basins observed. A fluvial process explains both sets of observations: crater morphology and crater population distribution curves.
Multivariate analyses of crater parameters and the classification of craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Siegal, B. S.; Griffiths, J. C.
1974-01-01
Multivariate analyses were performed on certain linear dimensions of six genetic types of craters. A total of 320 craters, consisting of laboratory fluidization craters, craters formed by chemical and nuclear explosives, terrestrial maars and other volcanic craters, and terrestrial meteorite impact craters, authenticated and probable, were analyzed in the first data set in terms of their mean rim crest diameter, mean interior relief, rim height, and mean exterior rim width. The second data set contained an additional 91 terrestrial craters of which 19 were of experimental percussive impact and 28 of volcanic collapse origin, and which was analyzed in terms of mean rim crest diameter, mean interior relief, and rim height. Principal component analyses were performed on the six genetic types of craters. Ninety per cent of the variation in the variables can be accounted for by two components. Ninety-nine per cent of the variation in the craters formed by chemical and nuclear explosives is explained by the first component alone.
Phobos - Surface density of impact craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thomas, P.; Veverka, J.
1977-01-01
Revised crater counts for Phobos are presented which are based on uniform Mariner 9 imagery and Duxbury's (1974) map of the satellite. The contiguous portion of the satellite's surface on which all craters down to the limiting resolution of 0.2 to 0.3 km in diameter would be expected to be identified is delineated and found to contain 87 identifiable craters larger than 0.2 km in diameter. Analysis of the crater size distribution shows that the surface appears to be saturated for craters exceeding 1 km in diameter but the crater counts definitely fall below the saturation curve for smaller craters. Reasons for this fall-off are considered, and it is noted that too few craters are visible in Mariner 9 images of Deimos to permit meaningful crater counts on that satellite's surface. It is concluded that, contrary to a previous assertion, the surfaces of Phobos and Deimos are not known to be saturated with craters larger than 0.2 km in diameter.
On the usefulness of optical maturity for relative age classification of fresh craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ravi, S.; Meyer, H. M.; Mahanti, P.; Robinson, M. S.
2016-12-01
Copernican and Eratosthenian craters represent the two most recent geologic periods in the lunar timescale, and their characterization is essential for understanding impact crater flux over the last 3 Gy. Craters from both periods exhibit crisp morphologies, but Copernican craters are 'rayed craters' per Wilhelms (1) classification scheme. Distinguishing compositional from maturity rays is possible using compositional estimates and the optical maturity parameter (OMAT; 2). From OMAT estimates, Grier et al. (3) classified 50 fresh craters (diameter (D) > 20 km) into young (OMAT > 0.22), intermediate, and old (OMAT < 0.16) classes. In this work we analyze morphology and optical maturity for a population of 12,000 craters (D> 10 km; 60 to investigate the applicability of OMAT for relative age classification among Copernican craters. Craters obtained from (4,5) were initially classified based on crispness of morphology (LROC WAC observations (6)) and then were then analyzed based on OMAT values averaged from rim out to one crater radius (n=2000). We found that typically craters larger than Copernicus (D = 95 km) were had lower OMAT values than Copernicus (OMAT = 0.17) except for Vavilov, Pythagorus, Fizeau and Moretus which had OMAT > 0.17. These large craters are clearly affected by rays from small, nearby craters. We estimate that at least 250 craters (D > 10 km; OMAT > 0.22) on the Moon are Copernican (> 2% of all craters analyzed) and of these at least 100 are as optically immature (or more so) than Tycho crater (OMAT >= 0.24). A calibration curve (OMAT vs Absolute Model Age) obtained for craters with known ages showed that OMAT <=0.15 displays little change with AMA and are thus unsuitable for estimating relative ages. Normalization by crater size was found to reduce the uncertainty associated with the relation between AMA and OMAT. 1) Wilhelms (1987), The Geologic History of the Moon, USGS, pp. 1348. 2) Lucey et al (2000), JGR, 105, 20377-20386. 3) Grier et al. (2001), JGR, 106, 847-862. 4) Povilaitis et al. (2013), NLSI, Session 5B. 5) Head et al. (2010), Science, 239, 1504-1506. 6) Boyd et al. (2013), AGU, P13B-1744.
Gully formation in terrestrial simple craters: Meteor Crater, USA and Lonar Crater, India
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kumar, P.; Head, J. W.; Kring, D. A.
2007-12-01
Geomorphic features such as gullies, valley networks, and channels on Mars have been used as a proxy to understand the climate and landscape evolution of Mars. Terrestrial analogues provide significant insight as to how the various exogenic and endogenic processes might contribute to the evolution of these martian landscapes. We describe here a terrestrial example from Meteor Crater, which shows a spectacular development of gullies throughout the inner wall in response to rainwater precipitation, snow melting and groundwater discharge. As liquid water has been envisaged as one of the important agents of landscape sculpturing, Meteor Crater remains a useful landmark, where planetary geologists can learn some lessons. We also show here how the lithology and structural framework of this crater controls the gully distribution. Like many martian impact craters, it was emplaced in layered sedimentary rocks with an exceptionally well-developed centripetal drainage pattern consisting of individual alcoves, channels and fans. Some of the gullies originate from the rim crest and others from the middle crater wall, where a lithologic transition occurs. Deeply incised alcoves are well-developed on the soft sandstones of the Coconino Formation exposed on the middle crater wall, beneath overlying dolomite. In general, the gully locations are along crater wall radial fractures and faults, which are favorable locales of groundwater flow and discharge; these structural discontinuities are also the locales where the surface runoff from rain precipitation and snow melting can preferentially flow, causing degradation. Like martian craters, channels are well developed on the talus deposits and alluvial fans on the periphery of the crater floor. In addition, lake sediments on the crater floor provide significant evidence of a past pluvial climate, when groundwater seeped from springs on the crater wall. Caves exposed on the lower crater level may point to percolation of surface runoff and selective discharge through fractures on the crater wall. Similar relationships are seen at Lonar Crater, India. Although these hydrological processes continue at Meteor Crater today, conditions at the crater are much more arid than they were soon after impact, reflecting a climatic shift similar in direction to that inferred for Mars.
Wood, Charles A.; Lorenz, Ralph; Kirk, Randy; Lopes, Rosaly; Mitchell, Karl; Stofan, Ellen; ,
2010-01-01
Five certain impact craters and 44 additional nearly certain and probable ones have been identified on the 22% of Titan's surface imaged by Cassini's high-resolution radar through December 2007. The certain craters have morphologies similar to impact craters on rocky planets, as well as two with radar bright, jagged rims. The less certain craters often appear to be eroded versions of the certain ones. Titan's craters are modified by a variety of processes including fluvial erosion, mass wasting, burial by dunes and submergence in seas, but there is no compelling evidence of isostatic adjustments as on other icy moons, nor draping by thick atmospheric deposits. The paucity of craters implies that Titan's surface is quite young, but the modeled age depends on which published crater production rate is assumed. Using the model of Artemieva and Lunine (2005) suggests that craters with diameters smaller than about 35 km are younger than 200 million years old, and larger craters are older. Craters are not distributed uniformly; Xanadu has a crater density 2-9 times greater than the rest of Titan, and the density on equatorial dune areas is much lower than average. There is a small excess of craters on the leading hemisphere, and craters are deficient in the north polar region compared to the rest of the world. The youthful age of Titan overall, and the various erosional states of its likely impact craters, demonstrate that dynamic processes have destroyed most of the early history of the moon, and that multiple processes continue to strongly modify its surface. The existence of 24 possible impact craters with diameters less than 20 km appears consistent with the Ivanov, Basilevsky and Neukum (1997) model of the effectiveness of Titan's atmosphere in destroying most but not all small projectiles.
Wood, C.A.; Lorenz, R.; Kirk, R.; Lopes, R.; Mitchell, Ken; Stofan, E.
2010-01-01
Five certain impact craters and 44 additional nearly certain and probable ones have been identified on the 22% of Titan's surface imaged by Cassini's high-resolution radar through December 2007. The certain craters have morphologies similar to impact craters on rocky planets, as well as two with radar bright, jagged rims. The less certain craters often appear to be eroded versions of the certain ones. Titan's craters are modified by a variety of processes including fluvial erosion, mass wasting, burial by dunes and submergence in seas, but there is no compelling evidence of isostatic adjustments as on other icy moons, nor draping by thick atmospheric deposits. The paucity of craters implies that Titan's surface is quite young, but the modeled age depends on which published crater production rate is assumed. Using the model of Artemieva and Lunine (2005) suggests that craters with diameters smaller than about 35 km are younger than 200 million years old, and larger craters are older. Craters are not distributed uniformly; Xanadu has a crater density 2-9 times greater than the rest of Titan, and the density on equatorial dune areas is much lower than average. There is a small excess of craters on the leading hemisphere, and craters are deficient in the north polar region compared to the rest of the world. The youthful age of Titan overall, and the various erosional states of its likely impact craters, demonstrate that dynamic processes have destroyed most of the early history of the moon, and that multiple processes continue to strongly modify its surface. The existence of 24 possible impact craters with diameters less than 20 km appears consistent with the Ivanov, Basilevsky and Neukum (1997) model of the effectiveness of Titan's atmosphere in destroying most but not all small projectiles. ?? 2009 Elsevier Inc.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Piekutowski, A. J.
1980-01-01
The effects of the dynamic processes which occur during crater formation were examined using small hemispherical high-explosive charges detonated in a tank which had one wall constructed of a thick piece of clear plexiglas. Crater formation and the motions of numerous tracer particles installed in the cratering medium at the medium-wall interface were viewed through the wall of this quarter-space tank and recorded with high-speed cameras. Subsequent study and analysis of particle motions and events recorded on the film provide data needed to develop a time-sequence description of the formation of a bowl-shaped crater. Tables show the dimensions of craters produced in a quarter-space tank compared with dimensions of craters produced in normal half-space tanks. Crater growth rate summaries are also tabulated.
The Lord of the Rings - Deep Learning Craters on the Moon and Other Bodies
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Silburt, Ari; Ali-Dib, Mohamad; Zhu, Chenchong; Jackson, Alan; Valencia, Diana; Kissin, Yevgeni; Tamayo, Daniel; Menou, Kristen
2018-01-01
Crater detection has traditionally been done via manual inspection of images, leading to statistically significant disagreements between scientists for the Moon's crater distribution. In addition, there are millions of uncategorized craters on the Moon and other Solar System bodies that will never be classified by humans due to the time required to manually detect craters. I will show that a deep learning model trained on the near-side of the Moon can successfully reproduce the crater distribution on the far-side, as well as detect thousands of small, new craters that were previously uncharacterized. In addition, this Moon-trained model can be transferred to accurately classify craters on Mercury. It is therefore likely that this model can be extended to classify craters on all Solar System bodies with Digital Elevation Maps. This will facilitate, for the first time ever, a systematic, accurate, and reproducible study of the crater records throughout the Solar System.
Ceres and the terrestrial planets impact cratering record
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Strom, R. G.; Marchi, S.; Malhotra, R.
2018-03-01
Dwarf planet Ceres, the largest object in the Main Asteroid Belt, has a surface that exhibits a range of crater densities for a crater diameter range of 5-300 km. In all areas the shape of the craters' size-frequency distribution is very similar to those of the most ancient heavily cratered surfaces on the terrestrial planets. The most heavily cratered terrain on Ceres covers ∼15% of its surface and has a crater density similar to the highest crater density on <1% of the lunar highlands. This region of higher crater density on Ceres probably records the high impact rate at early times and indicates that the other 85% of Ceres was partly resurfaced after the Late Heavy Bombardment (LHB) at ∼4 Ga. The Ceres cratering record strongly indicates that the period of Late Heavy Bombardment originated from an impactor population whose size-frequency distribution resembles that of the Main Belt Asteroids.
A proposed origin for palimpsests and anomalous pit craters on Ganymede and Callisto
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Croft, S. K.
1983-01-01
The hypothesis that palimpsests and anomalous pit craters are essentially pristine crater forms derived from high-velocity impacts and/or impacts into an ice crust with preimpact temperatures near melting is explored. The observational data are briefly reviewed, and an impact model is proposed for the direct formation of a palimpsest from an impact when the modification flow which produces the final crater is dominated by 'wet' fluid flow, as opposed to the 'dry' granular flow which produces normal craters. Conditions of 'wet' modification occur when the volume of impact melt remaining in the transient crater attains a volume comparable to the transient crater. The normal crater-palimpsest transition is found to occur for sufficiently large impacts or sufficiently fast impactors. The range of crater diameters and morphological characteristics inferred from the impact model is consistent with the observed characteristics of palimpsests and anomalous pit craters.
A first-order model for impact crater degradation on Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Izenberg, Noam R.; Arvidson, Raymond E.; Phillips, Roger J.
1993-01-01
A first-order impact crater aging model is presented based on observations of the global crater population of Venus. The total population consists of 879 craters found over the approximately 98 percent of the planet that has been mapped by the Magellan spacecraft during the first three cycles of its mission. The model is based upon three primary aspects of venusian impact craters: (1) extended ejecta deposits (EED's); (2) crater rims and continuous ejecta deposits; and (3) crater interiors and floors.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hillman, E.; Barlow, N. G.
2005-01-01
Impact craters containing central pits are rare on the terrestrial planets but common on icy bodies. Mars is the exception among the terrestrial planets, where central pits are seen on crater floors ( floor pits ) as well as on top of central peaks ( summit pits ). Wood et al. [1] proposed that degassing of subsurface volatiles during crater formation produced central pits. Croft [2] argued instead that central pits might form during the impact of volatile-rich comets. Although central pits are seen in impact craters on icy moons such as Ganymede, they do show some significant differences from their martian counterparts: (a) only floor pits are seen on Ganymede, and (b) central pits begin to occur at crater diameters where the peak ring interior morphology begins to appear in terrestrial planet craters [3]. A study of craters containing central pits was conducted by Barlow and Bradley [4] using Viking imagery. They found that 28% of craters displaying an interior morphology on Mars contain central pits. Diameters of craters containing central pits ranged from 16 to 64 km. Barlow and Bradley noted that summit pit craters tended to be smaller than craters containing floor pits. They also noted a correlation of central pit craters with the proposed rings of large impact basins. They argued that basin ring formation fractured the martian crust and allowed subsurface volatiles to concentrate in these locations. They favored the model that degassing of the substrate during crater formation was responsible for central pit formation due to the preferential location of central pit craters along these basin rings.
Why do complex impact craters have elevated crater rims?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kenkmann, Thomas; Sturm, Sebastian; Krueger, Tim
2014-05-01
Most of the complex impact craters on the Moon and on Mars have elevated crater rims like their simple counterparts. The raised rim of simple craters is the result of (i) the deposition of a coherent proximal ejecta blanket at the edge of the transient cavity (overturned flap) and (ii) a structural uplift of the pre-impact surface near the transient cavity rim during the excavation stage of cratering [1]. The latter occurs either by plastic thickening or localized buckling of target rocks, as well as by the emplacement of interthrust wedges [2] or by the injection of dike material. Ejecta and the structural uplift contribute equally to the total elevation of simple crater rims. The cause of elevated crater rims of large complex craters [3] is less obvious, but still, the rim height scales with the final crater diameter. Depending on crater size, gravity, and target rheology, the final crater rim of complex craters can be situated up to 1.5-2.0 transient crater radii distance from the crater center. Here the thickness of the ejecta blanket is only a fraction of that occurring at the rim of simple craters, e.g. [4], and thus cannot account for a strong elevation. Likewise, plastic thickening including dike injection of the underlying target may not play a significant role at this distance any more. We started to systematically investigate the structural uplift and ejecta thickness along the rim of complex impact craters to understand the cause of their elevation. Our studies of two lunar craters (Bessel, 16 km diameter and Euler, 28 km diameter) [5] and one unnamed complex martian crater (16 km diameter) [6] showed that the structural uplift at the final crater rim makes 56-67% of the total rim elevation while the ejecta thickness contributes 33-44%. Thus with increasing distance from the transient cavity rim, the structural uplift seems to dominate. As dike injection and plastic thickening are unlikely at such a distance from the transient cavity, we propose that reverse faulting induced by radially outward directed maximum stresses during the excavation flow may be responsible for the elevation of complex crater rims. This hypothesis is tested at terrestrial craters whose apparent crater rims are often confined by circumferential faults [7]. References:[1] Shoemaker, E. M. (1963) The Solar System, 4, 301-336. [2] Poelchau M.H. et al. (2009), JGR, 114, E01006. [3] Settle, M., and Head, J.W., (1977), Icarus, 31, 123. [4] McGetchin, T. R., et al., (1973), EPSL, 20, 226.[5] Krüger T. et al. (2014), LPSC 45, #1834. [6] Sturm, S. et al. (2014), LPSC 45, 1801. [7] Turtle, E. et al. (2005), GSA-SP. 384, 1.
Croft, S.K.; Kieffer, S.W.; Ahrens, T.J.
1979-01-01
We produced a series of decimeter-sized impact craters in blocks of ice near 0oC and -70oC and in ice-saturated sand near -70oC as a preliminary investigation of cratering in materials analogous to those found on Mars and the outer solar satellites. Crater diameters in the ice-saturated sand were 2 times larger than craters in the same energy and velocity range in competent blocks of granite, basalt and cement. Craters in ice were c.3 times larger. Martian impact crater energy versus diameter scaling may thus be a function of latitude. -from Authors
Experimental Simulations of Large-Scale Collisions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Housen, Kevin R.
2002-01-01
This report summarizes research on the effects of target porosity on the mechanics of impact cratering. Impact experiments conducted on a centrifuge provide direct simulations of large-scale cratering on porous asteroids. The experiments show that large craters in porous materials form mostly by compaction, with essentially no deposition of material into the ejecta blanket that is a signature of cratering in less-porous materials. The ratio of ejecta mass to crater mass is shown to decrease with increasing crater size or target porosity. These results are consistent with the observation that large closely-packed craters on asteroid Mathilde appear to have formed without degradation to earlier craters.
Shallow and deep fresh impact craters in Hesperia Planum, Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mouginis-Mark, Peter J.; Hayashi, Joan N.
1993-01-01
The depths of 109 impact craters about 2-16 km in diameter, located on the ridged plains materials of Hesperia Planum, Mars, have been measured from their shadow lengths using digital Viking Orbiter images (orbit numbers 417S-419S) and the PICS computer software. On the basis of their pristine morphology (very fresh lobate ejecta blankets, well preserved rim crests, and lack of superposed impact craters), 57 of these craters have been selected for detailed analysis of their spatial distribution and geometry. We find that south of 30 deg S, craters less than 6.0 km in diameter are markedly shallower than similar-sized craters equatorward of this latitude. No comparable relationship is observed for morphologically fresh craters greater than 6.0 km diameter. We also find that two populations exist for older craters less than 6.0 km diameter. When craters that lack ejecta blankets are grouped on the basis of depth/diameter ratio, the deeper craters also typically lie equatorward of 30 S. We interpret the spatial variation in crater depth/diameter ratios as most likely due to a poleward increase in volatiles within the top 400 m of the surface at the times these craters were formed.
Lunar and Venusian radar bright rings
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thompson, T. W.; Saunders, R. S.; Weissman, D. E.
1986-01-01
Twenty-one lunar craters have radar bright ring appearances which are analogous to eleven complete ring features in the earth-based 12.5 cm observations of Venus. Radar ring diameters and widths for the lunar and Venusian features overlap for sizes from 45 to 100 km. Radar bright areas for the lunar craters are associated with the slopes of the inner and outer rim walls, while level crater floors and level ejecta fields beyond the raised portion of the rim have average radar backscatter. It is proposed that the radar bright areas of the Venusian rings are also associated with the slopes on the rims of craters. The lunar craters have evolved to radar bright rings via mass wasting of crater rim walls and via post-impact flooding of crater floors. Aeolian deposits of fine-grained material on Venusian crater floors may produce radar scattering effects similar to lunar crater floor flooding. These Venusian aeolian deposits may preferentially cover blocky crater floors producing a radar bright ring appearance. It is proposed that the Venusian features with complete bright ring appearances and sizes less than 100 km are impact craters. They have the same sizes as lunar craters and could have evolved to radar bright rings via analogous surface processes.
The Explorer's Guide to Impact Craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chuang, F.; Pierazzo, E.; Osinski, G.
2005-01-01
Impact cratering is a fundamental geologic process of our solar system. It competes with other processes, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, fluvial, glacial and eolian activity, in shaping the surfaces of planetary bodies. In some cases, like the Moon and Mercury, impact craters are the dominant landform. On other planetary bodies impact craters are being continuously erased by the action of other geological processes, like volcanism on Io, erosion and plate tectonics on the Earth, tectonic and volcanic resurfacing on Venus, or ancient erosion periods on Mars. The study of crater populations is one of the principal tools for understanding the geologic history of a planetary surface. Among the general public, impact cratering has drawn wide attention through its portrayal in several Hollywood movies. Questions that are raised after watching these movies include: How do scientists learn about impact cratering? , and What information do impact craters provide in understanding the evolution of a planetary surface? Fundamental approaches used by scientists to learn about impact cratering include field work at known terrestrial craters, remote sensing studies of craters on various solid surfaces of solar system bodies, and theoretical and laboratory studies using the known physics of impact cratering.
The phanerozoic impact cratering rate: Evidence from the farside of the Moon
McEwen, A.S.; Moore, Johnnie N.; Shoemaker, E.M.
1997-01-01
The relatively recent (< 1 b.y.) flux of asteroids and comets forming large craters on the Earth and Moon may be accurately recorded by craters with bright rays on the Moon's farside. Many previously unknown farside rayed craters are clearly distinguished in the low-phase-angle images returned by the Clementine spacecraft. Some large rayed craters on the lunar nearside are probably significantly older than 1 Ga; rays remain visible over the maria due to compositional contrasts long after soils have reached optical maturity. Most of the farside crust has a more homogeneous composition and only immature rays are visible. The size-frequency distribution of farside rayed craters is similar to that measured for Eratosthenian craters (up to 3.2 b.y.) at diameters larger than 15 km. The areal density of farside rayed craters matches that of a corrected tabulation of nearside Copernican craters. Hence the presence of bright rays due to immature soils around large craters provides a consistent time-stratigraphic basis for defining the base of the Copernican System. The density of large craters less than ???3.2 b.y. old is ???3.2 times higher than that of large farside rayed craters alone. This observation can be interpreted in two ways: (1) the average cratering rate has been constant over the past 3.2 b.y. and the base of the Copernican is ???1 Ga, or (2) the cratering rate has increased in recent geologic time and the base of the Copernican is less than 1 Ga. We favor the latter interpretation because the rays of Copernicus (800-850 m.y. old) appear to be very close to optical maturity, suggesting that the average Copernican cratering rate was ???35% higher than the average Eratosthenian rate. Other lines of evidence for an increase in the Phanerozoic (545 Ga) cratering rate are (1) the densities of small craters superimposed on Copernicus and Apollo landing sites, (2) the rates estimated from well-dated terrestrial craters (??? 120 m.y.) and from present-day astronomical observations, and (3) the Proterozoic rate suggested by the crater record of Australia. The hypothesis most consistent with several key observations is that the cratering rate has increased by ???2x during the past ???300 m.y. Copyright 1997 by the American Geophysical Union.
Styles of crater gradation in Southern Ismenius Lacus, Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grant, J. A.; Schultz, P. H.
1991-01-01
Preserved morphology around selected impact craters together with results from study of long term gradational evolution are used to assess processes responsible for crater modification in southern Ismenius Lacus. Results are compared with the gradational styles of selected terrestrial craters. Although most craters in the region display complex primary morphologies, some first order comparisons with the gradational styles around simple terrestrial craters may be valid. Nearly complete high resolution coverage provides a basis for studying morphologic features at scales comparable to those observed in LANDSAT TM images of terrestrial craters. It is concluded that the relative importance of gradational processes differs around the terrestrial and Martian craters considered here: Martian rimless morphologies are produced by mass wasting, eolian deposition/erosion, and limited fluvial incisement resulting in downwasting and significant backwasting of crater walls.
Crater Age and Hydrogen Content in Lunar Regolith from LEND Neutron Data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sanin, Anton; Starr, Richard; Litvak, Maxim; Petro, Noah; Mitrofanov, Igor
2017-04-01
We are presenting an analysis of Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) epithermal neutron count rates for a large set of mid-latitude craters. Epithermal neutron count rates for crater interiors measured by the LEND Sensor for Epithermal Neutrons (SETN) were compared to crater exteriors for 322 craters. An increase in relative count rate at about 9-sigma confidence level was found, consistent with a lower hydrogen content. A smaller subset of 31 craters, all located near three Copernican era craters, Jackson, Tycho, and Necho, also shows a significant increase in Optical Maturity parameter implying an immature regolith. The increase in SETN count rate for these craters is greater than the increase for the full set of craters by more than a factor of two.
Crater Age and Hydrogen Content in Lunar Regolith from LEND Neutron Data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Starr, Richard D.; Litvak, Maxim L.; Petro, Noah E.; Mitrofanov, Igor G.; Boynton, William V.; Chin, Gordon; Livengood, Timothy A.; McClanahan, Timothy P.; Sanin, Anton B.; Sagdeev, Roald Z.;
2017-01-01
Analysis of Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) neutron count rates for a large set of mid-latitude craters provides evidence for lower hydrogen content in the crater interiors compared to typical highland values. Epithermal neutron count rates for crater interiors measured by the LEND Sensor for Epithermal Neutrons (SETN) were compared to crater exteriors for 301 craters and displayed an increase in mean count rate at the approx. 9-sigma confidence level, consistent with a lower hydrogen content. A smaller subset of 31 craters also shows a significant increase in Optical Maturity parameter implying an immature regolith. The increase in SETN count rate for these craters is greater than the increase for the full set of craters by more than a factor of two.
Crater gradation in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum, Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grant, J. A.; Arvidson, R. E.; Crumpler, L. S.; Golombek, M. P.; Hahn, B.; Haldemann, A. F. C.; Li, R.; Soderblom, L. A.; Squyres, S. W.; Wright, S. P.; Watters, W. A.
2006-01-01
The Mars Exploration Rovers investigated numerous craters in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum during the first ~400 sols of their missions. Craters vary in size and preservation state but are mostly due to secondary impacts at Gusev and primary impacts at Meridiani. Craters at both locations are modified primarily by eolian erosion and infilling and lack evidence for modification by aqueous processes. Effects of gradation on crater form are dependent on size, local lithology, slopes, and availability of mobile sediments. At Gusev, impacts into basaltic rubble create shallow craters and ejecta composed of resistant rocks. Ejecta initially experience eolian stripping, which becomes weathering-limited as lags develop on ejecta surfaces and sediments are trapped within craters. Subsequent eolian gradation depends on the slow production of fines by weathering and impacts and is accompanied by minor mass wasting. At Meridiani the sulfate-rich bedrock is more susceptible to eolian erosion, and exposed crater rims, walls, and ejecta are eroded, while lower interiors and low-relief surfaces are increasingly infilled and buried by mostly basaltic sediments. Eolian processes outpace early mass wasting, often produce meters of erosion, and mantle some surfaces. Some small craters were likely completely eroded/buried. Craters >100 m in diameter on the Hesperian-aged floor of Gusev are generally more pristine than on the Amazonian-aged Meridiani plains. This conclusion contradicts interpretations from orbital views, which do not readily distinguish crater gradation state at Meridiani and reveal apparently subdued crater forms at Gusev that may suggest more gradation than has occurred.
Moon-Mercury: Large impact structures, isostasy and average crustal viscosity
Schaber, G.G.; Boyce, J.M.; Trask, N.J.
1977-01-01
Thirty-five craters and basins larger than 200 km in diameter are recognized on the imaged portion (45%) of Mercury. If the unimaged portion of the planet is similarly cratered, a total of 78 such impact features may be present. Sixty-two craters and basins 200 km in diameter are recognized on the moon, a body with only half the cross-sectional area of Mercury. If surface areas are considered, however, Mercury is cratered only 70% as densely as the moon. The density of impact craters with diameters greater than 400 km on Mercury is only 30% of that on the moon, and for craters with diameters between 400 and 700 km, the density on Mercury is only 21% of the lunar crater density. The size-frequency distribution curve for the large Mercurian craters follows the same cumulative -2 slope as the lunar curve but lies well below the 10% surface saturation level characteristic of the lunar curve. This is taken as evidence that the old heavily cratered terrain on Mercury is, at least presently, not in a state of cratering equilibrium. The reduced density of large craters and basins on Mercury relative to the moon could be either a function of the crater-production rates on these bodies or an effect of different crustal histories. Resurfacing of the planet after the basin-forming period is ruled out by the presence of 54 craters and basins 100 km in diameter and larger (on the imaged portion of Mercury) that have either well-defined or poorly-defined secondary-crater fields. Total isostatic compensation of impact craters ???800 km in diameter indicates that the average viscosity of the Mercurian crust over the past 4+ aeons was the same as that for the moon (???1026.5 P). This calculated viscosity and the distribution of large craters and basins suggest that either the very early crustal viscosity on Mercury was less than that of the moon and the present viscosity greater, or the differences in large crater populations on the two bodies is indeed the result of variations in rates of crater production. ?? 1977.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Anderson, William; Day, Kenzie; Kocurek, Gary
2016-11-01
Mars is a dry planet with a thin atmosphere. Aeolian processes - wind-driven mobilization of sediment and dust - are the exclusive mode of landscape variability on Mars. Craters are common topographic features on the surface of Mars, and many craters on Mars contain a prominent central mound (NASA's Curiosity rover was landed in Gale crater). Using density-normalized large-eddy simulations, we have modeled turbulent flows over crater-like topographies that feature a central mound. We have also run one simulation of flow over a digital elevation map of Gale crater. Resultant datasets suggest a deflationary mechanism wherein vortices shed from the upwind crater rim are realigned to conform to the crater profile via stretching and tilting. This was accomplished using three-dimensional datasets (momentum and vorticity) retrieved from LES. As a result, helical vortices occupy the inner region of the crater and, therefore, are primarily responsible for aeolian morphodynamics in the crater. We have also used the immersed-boundary method body force distribution to compute the aerodynamic surface stress on the crater. These results suggest that secondary flows - originating from flow separation at the crater - have played an important role in shaping landscape features observed in craters (including the dune fields observed on Mars, many of which are actively evolving). None.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Anderson, William
2017-04-01
Mars is a dry planet with a thin atmosphere. Aeolian processes - wind-driven mobilization of sediment and dust - are the exclusive mode of landscape variability on Mars. Craters are common topographic features on the surface of Mars, and many craters on Mars contain a prominent central mound (NASA's Curiosity rover was landed in Gale crater). Using density-normalized large-eddy simulations, we have modeled turbulent flows over crater-like topographies that feature a central mound. We have also run one simulation of flow over a digital elevation map of Gale crater. Resultant datasets suggest a deflationary mechanism wherein vortices shed from the upwind crater rim are realigned to conform to the crater profile via stretching and tilting. This was accomplished using three-dimensional datasets (momentum and vorticity) retrieved from LES. As a result, helical vortices occupy the inner region of the crater and, therefore, are primarily responsible for aeolian morphodynamics in the crater. We have also used the immersed-boundary method body force distribution to compute the aerodynamic surface stress on the crater. These results suggest that secondary flows - originating from flow separation at the crater - have played an important role in shaping landscape features observed in craters (including the dune fields observed on Mars, many of which are actively evolving).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sonder, I.; Graettinger, A. H.; Valentine, G. A.
2015-12-01
Craters of explosive volcanic eruptions are products of many explosions. Such craters are different than products of single events such as meteorite impacts or those produced by military testing because they typically result from multiple, rather than single, explosions. We analyzed the evolution of experimental craters that were created by several detonations of chemical explosives in layered aggregates. A method to calculate an effective explosion depth for non-flat topography (e.g. for explosions below existing craters) is derived, showing how multi-blast crater sizes differ from the single blast case. It is shown that sizes of natural caters (radii, volumes) are not characteristic of the number of explosions, and therefore not characteristic for the total acting energy, that formed a crater. Also the crater size is not simply related to the largest explosion in a sequence, but depends upon that explosion and the energy of that single blast and on the cumulative energy of all blasts that formed the crater. The two energies can be combined to form an effective number of explosions that is characteristic for the crater evolution. The multi-blast crater size evolution implies that it is not correct to estimate explosion energy of volcanic events from crater size using previously published relationships that were derived for single blast cases.
Lonar Lake, India: An impact Crater in basalt
Fredriksson, K.; Dube, A.; Milton, D.J.; Balasundaram, M.S.
1973-01-01
Discovery of shock-metamorphosed material establishes the impact origin of Lonar Crater. Coarse breccia with shatter coning and microbreccia with moderately shocked fragments containing maskelynite were found in drill holes through the crater floor. Trenches on the rim yield strongly shocked fragments in which plagioclase has melted and vesiculated, and bombs and spherules of homogeneous rock melt. As the only known terrestrial impact crater in basalt, Lonar Crater provides unique opportunities for comparison with lunar craters. In particular, microbreccias and glass spherules from Lonar Crater have close analogs among the Apollo specimens.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chapman, C. R.
1974-01-01
It is pointed out that Mars is especially well adapted to statistical studies of crater morphologies for deciphering its geological history. A framework for understanding planetary geomorphological histories from the diameter-frequency relations of different morphological classes of craters described by Chapmam et al. (1970) is extended in order to understand Martian cratering, erosional, and depositional history. The cratering-obliteration history derived is compared with global interpretations considered by Hartman (1973) and Soderblom et al. (1974). An idealized dust-filling model is employed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Basilevsky, A. T.; Head, J. W.; Setyaeva, I. V.
2003-01-01
This is a further continuation of work, which studied craters greater than or equal to 30 km in diameter. That work subdivided craters based on character of the associated radar dark deposits. It was suggested and then confirmed that the most pristine deposits of that sort are radar-dark parabolas. Non-parabolic radar-dark halos represent the next stage of the deposit evolution and then with time they disappear. So presence and character of crater-associated dark deposit can be used for estimates of the crater age and then for dating other features. Previous work classified craters into: 1) craters with dark parabola (DP), 2) with clear dark halo (CH), 3) with faint halo (FH) and 4) with no dark halo (NH). It was found that abundances of craters superposed on regional plains (whose mean age is close to the planet mean surface age T) and belonging to DP, CH, FH and NH classes were correspondingly 15, 30, 30 and 25%. From that it was concluded that DP craters are not older than 0.1-0.15T; CH craters formed during the time interval from approx. 0.5T until 0.1-0.15T ago, and the FH and NH craters formed prior to approx. 0.5T ago. It was shown that the DP, CH, FH and NH percentages show only slight apparent dependence on the crater geographic latitudes and no noticeable dependence on the crater size. The present study analyzes a much larger population (all D greater than or equal to 5 km craters) to investigate better the latitude effect and to study if within this larger crater population the size effect exists.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fassett, Caleb I.; Crowley, Malinda C.; Leight, Clarissa; Dyar, M. Darby; Minton, David A.; Hirabayashi, Masatoshi; Thomson, Bradley J.; Watters, Wesley A.
2017-06-01
Examining the topography of impact craters and their evolution with time is useful for assessing how fast planetary surfaces evolve. Here, new measurements of depth/diameter (d/D) ratios for 204 craters of 2.5 to 5 km in diameter superposed on Mercury's smooth plains are reported. The median d/D is 0.13, much lower than expected for newly formed simple craters ( 0.21). In comparison, lunar craters that postdate the maria are much less modified, and the median crater in the same size range has a d/D ratio that is nearly indistinguishable from the fresh value. This difference in crater degradation is remarkable given that Mercury's smooth plains and the lunar maria likely have ages that are comparable, if not identical. Applying a topographic diffusion model, these results imply that crater degradation is faster by a factor of approximately two on Mercury than on the Moon, suggesting more rapid landform evolution on Mercury at all scales.
Platz, Thomas; Michael, Gregory; Tanaka, Kenneth L.; Skinner, James A.; Fortezzo, Corey M.
2013-01-01
The new, post-Viking generation of Mars orbital imaging and topographical data provide significant higher-resolution details of surface morphologies, which induced a new effort to photo-geologically map the surface of Mars at 1:20,000,000 scale. Although from unit superposition relations a relative stratigraphical framework can be compiled, it was the ambition of this mapping project to provide absolute unit age constraints through crater statistics. In this study, the crater counting method is described in detail, starting with the selection of image data, type locations (both from the mapper’s and crater counter’s perspectives) and the identification of impact craters. We describe the criteria used to validate and analyse measured crater populations, and to derive and interpret crater model ages. We provide examples of how geological information about the unit’s resurfacing history can be retrieved from crater size–frequency distributions. Three cases illustrate short-, intermediate, and long-term resurfacing histories. In addition, we introduce an interpretation-independent visualisation of the crater resurfacing history that uses the reduction of the crater population in a given size range relative to the expected population given the observed crater density at larger sizes. From a set of potential type locations, 48 areas from 22 globally mapped units were deemed suitable for crater counting. Because resurfacing ages were derived from crater statistics, these secondary ages were used to define the unit age rather than the base age. Using the methods described herein, we modelled ages that are consistent with the interpreted stratigraphy. Our derived model ages allow age assignments to be included in unit names. We discuss the limitations of using the crater dating technique for global-scale geological mapping. Finally, we present recommendations for the documentation and presentation of crater statistics in publications.
Galileo SSI lunar observations: Copernican craters and soils
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mcewen, A. S.; Greeley, R.; Head, James W.; Pieters, C. M.; Fischer, E. M.; Johnson, T. V.; Neukum, G.
1993-01-01
The Galileo spacecraft completed its first Earth-Moon flyby (EMI) in December 1990 and its second flyby (EM2) in December 1992. Copernican-age craters are among the most prominent features seen in the SSI (Solid-State Imaging) multispectral images of the Moon. The interiors, rays, and continuous ejecta deposits of these youngest craters stand out as the brightest features in images of albedo and visible/1-micron color ratios (except where impact melts are abundant). Crater colors and albedos (away from impact melts) are correlated with their geologic emplacement ages as determined from counts of superposed craters; these age-color relations can be used to estimate the emplacement age (time since impact event) for many Copernican-age craters on the near and far sides of the Moon. The spectral reflectivities of lunar soils are controlled primarily by (1) soil maturity, resulting from the soil's cumulative age of exposure to the space environment; (2) steady-state horizontal and vertical mixing of fresh crystalline materials ; and (3) the mineralogy of the underlying bedrock or megaregolith. Improved understanding of items (1) and (2) above will improve our ability to interpret item (3), especially for the use of crater compositions as probes of crustal stratigraphy. We have examined the multispectral and superposed crater frequencies of large isolated craters, mostly of Eratosthenian and Copernican ages, to avoid complications due to (1) secondaries (as they affect superposed crater counts) and (2) spatially and temporally nonuniform regolith mixing from younger, large, and nearby impacts. Crater counts are available for 11 mare craters and 9 highlands craters within the region of the Moon imaged during EM1. The EM2 coverage provides multispectral data for 10 additional craters with superposed crater counts. Also, the EM2 data provide improved spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratios over the western nearside.
Modeling concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia, Mars, with an ice flow line model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Weitz, N.; Zanetti, M.; Osinski, G. R.; Fastook, J. L.
2018-07-01
Impact craters in the mid-latitudes of Mars are commonly filled to variable degrees with some combination of ice, dust, and rocky debris. Concentric surface features visible in these craters have been linked to debris transportation and glacial and periglacial processes. Concentric crater fill (CCF) observed today are interpreted to be the remains of repeated periods of accumulation and sublimation during the last tens to hundreds of million years. Previous work suggests that during phases of high obliquity, ice accumulates in crater interiors and begins to flow down steep crater slopes, slowly filling the crater. During times of low obliquity ice is protected from sublimation through a surface debris layer consisting of dust and rocky material. Here, we use an ice flow line model to understand the development of concentric crater fill. In a regional study of Utopia Planitia craters, we address questions about the influence of crater size on the CCF formation process, the time scales needed to fill an impact crater with ice, and explore commonly described flow features of CCF. We show that observed surface debris deposits as well as asymmetric flow features can be reproduced with the model. Using surface mass balance data from global climate models and a credible obliquity scenario, we find that craters less than 80 km in diameter can be entirely filled in less than 8 My, beginning as recently as 40 Ma ago. Uncertainties in input variables related to ice viscosity do not change the overall behavior of ice flow and the filling process. We model CCF for the Utopia Planitia region and find subtle trends for crater size versus fill level, crater size versus sublimation reduction by the surface debris layer, and crater floor elevation versus fill level.
2004-04-05
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Oscar Patterson Elementary Magnet School in Panama City, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy (far left) stands with (left to right) Bay County school board members Johnny Brock and Thelma Rohan, astronaut Sam Durrance and Panama City Commissioner Johnathon Wilson. Kennedy and Durrance and other NASA officials were at the school to share America’s new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers. Kennedy is talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.
Igneous intrusion models for floor fracturing in lunar craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wichman, R. W.; Schultz, P. H.
1991-01-01
Lunar floor-fractured craters are primarily located near the maria and frequently contain ponded mare units and dark mantling deposits. Fracturing is confined to the crater interior, often producing a moat-like feature near the floor edge, and crater depth is commonly reduced by uplift of the crater floor. Although viscous relaxation of crater topography can produce such uplift, the close association of modification with surface volcanism supports a model linking floor fracture to crater-centered igneous intrusions. The consequences of two intrusion models for the lunar interior are quantitatively explored. The first model is based on terrestrial laccoliths and describes a shallow intrusion beneath the crater. The second model is based on cone sheet complexes where surface deformation results from a deeper magma chamber. Both models, their fit to observed crater modifications and possible implications for local volcanism are described.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Russell, Patrick S.; Head, James W.; Hecht, Michael H.
2003-01-01
Many craters on Mars are partially filled by distinctive material emplaced by post-impact processes. This crater fill material is an interior mound which is generally separated from the walls of the crater by a trough that may be continuous along the crater circumference (i.e. a ring-shaped trough), or which may only partially contact the crater walls (i.e. a crescent-shaped trough). The fill deposit is frequently offset from the crater center and may be asymmetric in plan view. Populations of such craters include those in the circum-south polar cap region, in Arabia Terra, associated with the Medusae Fossae Formation, and in the northern lowlands proximal to the north polar cap. We focus on those craters in circumpolar regions and assess their relationship to polar cap advance and retreat, especially the possibility that fill material represents remnants of a formerly larger contiguous cap. Volatile-rich deposits have the property of being modifiable by the local stability of the solid volatile, which is governed by local energy balance. Here we test the hypothesis that asymmetries in volatile fill shape, profile, and center-location within a crater result from asymmetries in local energy balance within the crater, due mainly to variation of solar insolation and radiative effects of the crater walls over the crater interior. Model profiles of crater fill are compared with MOLA topographic profiles to assess this hypothesis. If asymmetry in morphology and location of crater fill are consistent with radiative-dominated asymmetries in energy budget within the crater, then 1) the volatile-rich composition of the fill is supported (this process should not be effective at shaping volcanic or sedimentary deposits), and 2) the dominant factor determining the observed shape of volatile-rich crater fill is the local radiative energy budget (and erosive processes such as eolian deflation are secondary or unnecessary). We also use a geographic and energy model approach to specifically test the idea that material in partially filled craters around the south pole may once have been contiguous to the cap and may have been sustained and modified by radiative processes specific to the crater environment (as opposed to the surrounding plains) as the cap retreated.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kukkonen, S.; Kostama, V.-P.
2018-05-01
The availability of very high-resolution images has made it possible to extend crater size-frequency distribution studies to small, deca/hectometer-scale craters. This has enabled the dating of small and young surface units, as well as recent, short-time and small-scale geologic processes that have occurred on the units. Usually, however, the higher the spatial resolution of space images is, the smaller area is covered by the images. Thus the use of single, very high-resolution images in crater count age determination may be debatable if the images do not cover the studied region entirely. Here we compare the crater count results for the floor of the Harmakhis Vallis outflow channel obtained from the images of the ConTeXt camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). The CTX images enable crater counts for entire units on the Harmakhis Vallis main valley, whereas the coverage of the higher-resolution HiRISE images is limited and thus the images can only be used to date small parts of the units. Our case study shows that the crater count data based on small impact craters and small surface areas mainly correspond with the crater count data based on larger craters and more extensive counting areas on the same unit. If differences between the results were founded, they could usually be explained by the regional geology. Usually, these differences appeared when at least one cratering model age is missing from either of the crater datasets. On the other hand, we found only a few cases in which the cratering model ages were completely different. We conclude that the crater counts using small impact craters on small counting areas provide useful information about the geological processes which have modified the surface. However, it is important to remember that all the crater counts results obtained from a specific counting area always primarily represent the results from the counting area-not the whole unit. On the other hand, together with crater count results from extensive counting areas and lower-resolution images, crater counts on small counting areas but by using very high-resolution images is a very valuable tool for obtaining unique additional information about the local processes on the surface units.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Croft, S. K.; Pierazzo, E.; Canizo, T.; Lebofsky, L. A.
2009-12-01
Impact cratering is one of the fundamental geologic processes affecting all planetary and asteroidal bodies in the Solar System. With few exceptions, all bodies with solid surfaces explored so far show the presence of impact craters - from the less than 200 known craters on Earth to the many thousands seen on the Moon, Mercury, and other bodies. Indeed, the study of crater populations is one of the principal tools for understanding the geologic history of planetary surfaces. In recent years, impact cratering has gained public notoriety through its portrayal in several Hollywood movies. Questions that are raised after watching these movies include: “How often do impacts occur?” “How do scientists learn about impact cratering?” and “What information do impact craters provide in understanding the evolution planetary surfaces?” On our website: “Explorer’s Guide to Impact Craters,” we answer those questions in a fun, informative and interactive way. The website provides the interested public with an opportunity to: 1) experience how scientists explore known terrestrial craters through a virtual fieldtrips; 2) learn more about the dynamics of impact cratering using numerical simulations of various impacts; and 3) investigate how impact cratering affects rocks via images and descriptions of field samples of impact rocks. This learning tool has been a popular outreach endeavor (recently reaching 100,000 hits), and it has recently been incorporated in the Impact Cratering Workshop developed by scientists and EPO specialists at the Planetary Science Institute. The workshop provides middle school science teachers with an inquiry-based understanding of the process of impact cratering and how it affects the solar system. Participants are instructed via standards-based multimedia presentations, analysis of planetary images, hands-on experience with geologic samples from terrestrial impact craters, and first-hand experience forming impact craters. Through the “Explorer’s Guide to Impact Craters,” participants are able to virtually explore three terrestrial impact craters, while examining, first-hand, samples of rocks collected at the three impact sites by real field geologists. The rock samples are included in our Impact Rock Kits that are available for check-out by teachers desiring to involve their students in the study of impact craters.
Coupled effects of impact and orogeny: Is the marine Lockne crater, Sweden, pristine?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kenkmann, T.; Kiebach, F.; Rosenau, M.; Raschke, U.; Pigowske, A.; Mittelhaus, K.; Eue, D.
Our current understanding of marine-impact cratering processes is partly inferred from the geological structure of the Lockne crater. We present results of a mapping campaign and structural data indicating that this crater is not pristine. In the western part of the crater, pre-impact, impact, and post-impact rocks are incorporated in Caledonian thrust slices and are subjected to folding and faulting. A nappe outlier in the central crater depression is a relic of the Caledonian nappe cover that reached a thickness of more than 5 km. The overthrusted crater is gently deformed. Strike of strata and trend of fold axes deviate from standard Caledonian directions (northeast-southwest). Radially oriented crater depressions, which were previously regarded as marine resurge gullies formed when resurging seawater erosively cut through the crater brim, are interpreted to be open synclines in which resurge deposits were better preserved.The presence of the impact structure influenced orogenesis due to morphological and lithological anomalies of the crater: i) a raised crater brim zone acted as an obstacle during nappe propagation, (ii) the occurrence of a central crater depression caused downward sagging of nappes, and (iii) the lack of an appropriate detachment horizon (alum shale) within the crater led to an enhanced mechanical coupling and internal deformation of the nappe and the overthrusted foreland. Preliminary results of 3-D-analogue experiments suggest that a circular high-friction zone representing the crater locally hinders nappe propagation and initiates a circumferentially striking ramp fault that delineates the crater. Crustal shortening is also partitioned into the crater basement and decreases laterally outward. Deformation of the foreland affected the geometry of the detachment and could be associated with the activation of a deeper detachment horizon beneath the crater. Strain gradients both vertically and horizontally result in non-plane strain deformation in the vicinity of the crater. The strain tensors in the hanging and foot walls may deviate up to 90° from each other and rotated by up to 45° with respect to the standard regional orientation. The observed deflection of strata and fold axes within the Lockne crater area as revealed by field mapping is in agreement with the pattern of strain partitioning shown in the analogue models.
Relative age of Camelot crater and crater clusters near the Apollo 17 landing site
Lucchitta, B.K.
1979-01-01
Topographic profiles and depth-diameter ratios from the crater Camelot and craters of the central cluster in the Apollo 17 landing area suggest that these craters are of the same age. Therefore, layers that can be recognized in the deep-drill core and that can be identified as ejecta deposits from Camelot or from the cluster craters should yield similar emplacement ages. ?? 1979.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Talpe Matthieu; Zuber, Maria T.; Yang, Di; Neumann, Gregory A.; Solomon, Sean C.; Mazarico, Erwan; Vilas, Faith
2012-01-01
Earth-based radar images of Mercury show radar-bright material inside impact craters near the planet s poles. A previous study indicated that the polar-deposit-hosting craters (PDCs) at Mercury s north pole are shallower than craters that lack such deposits. We use data acquired by the Mercury Laser Altimeter on the MESSENGER spacecraft during 11 months of orbital observations to revisit the depths of craters at high northern latitudes on Mercury. We measured the depth and diameter of 537 craters located poleward of 45 N, evaluated the slopes of the northern and southern walls of 30 PDCs, and assessed the floor roughness of 94 craters, including nine PDCs. We find that the PDCs appear to have a fresher crater morphology than the non-PDCs and that the radar-bright material has no detectable influence on crater depths, wall slopes, or floor roughness. The statistical similarity of crater depth-diameter relations for the PDC and non-PDC populations places an upper limit on the thickness of the radar-bright material (< 170 m for a crater 11 km in diameter) that can be refined by future detailed analysis. Results of the current study are consistent with the view that the radar-bright material constitutes a relatively thin layer emplaced preferentially in comparatively young craters.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Laura, Jason; Skinner, James A.; Hunter, Marc A.
2017-08-01
In this paper we present the Large Crater Clustering (LCC) tool set, an ArcGIS plugin that supports the quantitative approximation of a primary impact location from user-identified locations of possible secondary impact craters or the long-axes of clustered secondary craters. The identification of primary impact craters directly supports planetary geologic mapping and topical science studies where the chronostratigraphic age of some geologic units may be known, but more distant features have questionable geologic ages. Previous works (e.g., McEwen et al., 2005; Dundas and McEwen, 2007) have shown that the source of secondary impact craters can be estimated from secondary impact craters. This work adapts those methods into a statistically robust tool set. We describe the four individual tools within the LCC tool set to support: (1) processing individually digitized point observations (craters), (2) estimating the directional distribution of a clustered set of craters, back projecting the potential flight paths (crater clusters or linearly approximated catenae or lineaments), (3) intersecting projected paths, and (4) intersecting back-projected trajectories to approximate the local of potential source primary craters. We present two case studies using secondary impact features mapped in two regions of Mars. We demonstrate that the tool is able to quantitatively identify primary impacts and supports the improved qualitative interpretation of potential secondary crater flight trajectories.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2002-01-01
[figure removed for brevity, see original site] (Released 5 July 2002) This is an image of a crater within part of Amazonis Planitia, located at 22.9N, 152.5W. This image features a number of common features exhibited by Martian craters. The crater is sufficiently large to exhibit a central peak that is seen in the upper right hand corner if the image. Also apparent is the slump blocks on the inside of the crater walls. When the crater was first formed, the crater walls were unstable and subsequently formed a series of landslides over time that formed the hummocky terrain just inside the present crater wall. While these cratering features are common to craters formed on other planetary bodies, such as the moon, the ejecta blanket surrounding the crater displays a morphology that is more unique to Mars. The lobate morphology implies that the ejecta blanket was emplaced in an almost fluid fashion rather than the traditional ballistic ejecta emplacement. This crater morphology occurs on Mars where water ice is suspected to be present just beneath the surface. The impact that created the crater would have enough energy to melt large amounts of water that could form the mud or debris flows that characterize the ejecta morphology that is seen in this image.
Crater gradation in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum, Mars
Grant, J. A.; Arvidson, R. E.; Crumpler, L.S.; Golombek, M.P.; Hahn, B.; Haldemann, A.F.C.; Li, R.; Soderblom, L.A.; Squyres, S. W.; Wright, S.P.; Watters, W.A.
2006-01-01
The Mars Exploration Rovers investigated numerous craters in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum during the first ???400 sols of their missions. Craters vary in size and preservation state but are mostly due to secondary impacts at Gusev and primary impacts at Meridiani. Craters at both locations are modified primarily by eolian erosion and infilling and lack evidence for modification by aqueous processes. Effects of gradation on crater form are dependent on size, local lithology, slopes, and availability of mobile sediments. At Gusev, impacts into basaltic rubble create shallow craters and ejecta composed of resistant rocks. Ejecta initially experience eolian stripping, which becomes weathering-limited as lags develop on ejecta surfaces and sediments are trapped within craters. Subsequent eolian gradation depends on the slow production of fines by weathering and impacts and is accompanied by minor mass wasting. At Meridiani the sulfate-rich bedrock is more susceptible to eolian erosion, and exposed crater rims, walls, and ejecta are eroded, while lower interiors and low-relief surfaces are increasingly infilled and buried by mostly basaltic sediments. Eolian processes outpace early mass wasting, often produce meters of erosion, and mantle some surfaces. Some small craters were likely completely eroded/buried. Craters >100 m in diameter on the Hesperian-aged floor of Gusev are generally more pristine than on the Amazonian-aged Meridiani plains. This conclusion contradicts interpretations from orbital views, which do not readily distinguish crater gradation state at Meridiani and reveal apparently subdued crater forms at Gusev that may suggest more gradation than has occurred. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Robbins, Stuart James
Impact craters are arguably the primary exogenic planetary process contributing to the surface evolution of solid bodies in the solar system. Craters appear across the entire surface of Mars, and they are vital to understanding its crustal properties as well as surface ages and modification events. They allow inferences into the ancient climate and hydrologic history, and they add a key data point for the understanding of impact physics. Previously available databases of Mars impact craters were created from now antiquated datasets, automated algorithms with biases and inaccuracies, were limited in scope, and/or complete only to multikilometer diameters. This work presents a new global database for Mars that contains 378,540 craters statistically complete for diameters D ≳ 1 km. This detailed database includes location and size, ejecta morphology and morphometry, interior morphology and degradation state, and whether the crater is a secondary impact. This database allowed exploration of global crater type distributions, depth, and morphologies in unprecedented detail that were used to re-examine basic crater scaling laws for the planet. The inclusion of hundreds of thousands of small, approximately kilometer-sized impacts facilitated a detailed study of the properties of nearby fields of secondary craters in relation to their primary crater. It also allowed the discovery of vast distant clusters of secondary craters over 5000 km from their primary crater, Lyot. Finally, significantly smaller craters were used to age-date volcanic calderas on the planet to re-construct the timeline of the last primary eruption events from 20 of the major Martian volcanoes.
Scaling multiblast craters: General approach and application to volcanic craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sonder, I.; Graettinger, A. H.; Valentine, G. A.
2015-09-01
Most volcanic explosions leave a crater in the surface around the center of the explosions. Such craters differ from products of single events like meteorite impacts or those produced by military testing because they typically result from multiple, rather than single, explosions. Here we analyze the evolution of experimental craters that were created by several detonations of chemical explosives in layered aggregates. An empirical relationship for the scaled crater radius as a function of scaled explosion depth for single blasts in flat test beds is derived from experimental data, which differs from existing relations and has better applicability for deep blasts. A method to calculate an effective explosion depth for nonflat topography (e.g., for explosions below existing craters) is derived, showing how multiblast crater sizes differ from the single-blast case: Sizes of natural caters (radii and volumes) are not characteristic of the number of explosions, nor therefore of the total acting energy, that formed a crater. Also, the crater size is not simply related to the largest explosion in a sequence but depends upon that explosion and the energy of that single blast and on the cumulative energy of all blasts that formed a crater. The two energies can be combined to form an effective number of explosions that is characteristic for the crater evolution. The multiblast crater size evolution has implications on the estimates of volcanic eruption energies, indicating that it is not correct to estimate explosion energy from crater size using previously published relationships that were derived for single-blast cases.
Morphologic Analysis of Lunar Craters in the Simple-to-Complex Transition
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chandnani, M.; Herrick, R. R.; Kramer, G. Y.
2015-12-01
The diameter range of 15 km to 20 km on the Moon is within the transition from simple to complex impact craters. We examined 207 well preserved craters in this diameter range distributed across the moon using high resolution Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Wide Angle Camera Mosaic (WAC) and Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) data. A map of the distribution of the 207 craters on the Moon using the global LROC WAC mosaic has been attahced with the abstract. By examining craters of similar diameter, impact energy is nearly constant, so differences in shape and morphology must be due to either target (e.g., porosity, density, coherence, layering) or impactor (e.g., velocity, density) properties. On the basis of the crater morphology, topographic profiles and depth-diameter ratio, the craters were classified into simple, craters with slumped walls, craters with both slumping and terracing, those containing a central uplift only, those with a central uplift and slumping, and the craters with a central uplift accompanied by both slumping and terracing, as shown in the image. It was observed that simple craters and craters with slumped walls occur predominately on the lunar highlands. The majority of the craters with terraced walls and all classes of central uplifts were observed predominately on the mare. In short, in this size range craters in the highlands were generally simple craters with occasionally some slumped material in the center, and the more developed features (terracing, central peak) were associated with mare craters. This is somewhat counterintuitive, as we expect the highlands to be generally weaker and less consolidated than the mare. We hypothesize that the presence of rheologic layering in the mare may be the cause of the more complex features that we observe. Relatively weak layers in the mare could develop through regolith formation between individual flows, or perhaps by variations within or between the flows themselves.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Michikami, T.; Hagermann, A.; Miyamoto, H.; Miura, S.; Haruyama, J.; Lykawka, P. S.
2014-06-01
High-resolution images reveal that numerous pit craters exist on the surface of Mars. For some pit craters, the depth-to-diameter ratios are much greater than for ordinary craters. Such deep pit craters are generally considered to be the results of material drainage into a subsurface void space, which might be formed by a lava tube, dike injection, extensional fracturing, and dilational normal faulting. Morphological studies indicate that the formation of a pit crater might be triggered by the impact event, and followed by collapse of the ceiling. To test this hypothesis, we carried out laboratory experiments of impact cratering into brittle targets with variable roof thickness. In particular, the effect of the target thickness on the crater formation is studied to understand the penetration process by an impact. For this purpose, we produced mortar targets with roof thickness of 1-6 cm, and a bulk density of 1550 kg/m3 by using a mixture of cement, water and sand (0.2 mm) in the ratio of 1:1:10, by weight. The compressive strength of the resulting targets is 3.2±0.9 MPa. A spherical nylon projectile (diameter 7 mm) is shot perpendicularly into the target surface at the nominal velocity of 1.2 km/s, using a two-stage light-gas gun. Craters are formed on the opposite side of the impact even when no target penetration occurs. Penetration of the target is achieved when craters on the opposite sides of the target connect with each other. In this case, the cross section of crater somehow attains a flat hourglass-like shape. We also find that the crater diameter on the opposite side is larger than that on the impact side, and more fragments are ejected from the crater on the opposite side than from the crater on the impact side. This result gives a qualitative explanation for the observation that the Martian deep pit craters lack a raised rim and have the ejecta deposit on their floor instead. Craters are formed on the opposite impact side even when no penetration occurs. Penetration is achieved when craters of both sides are connected. Crater diameter on the opposite side is larger than that on the impact side. More fragments are ejected from the opposite side than from the impact side. We present a qualitative explanation for the shapes of Martian deep pit craters.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kress, A.; Head, J. W.
2009-03-01
Analysis of ring-mold crater populations on lineated valley fill, lobate debris aprons, and concentric crater fill on Mars and of ice-impact experiments suggest crater-count-derived ages may be erroneously old.
Planetary radar studies. [radar mapping of the Moon and radar signatures of lunar and Venus craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thompson, T. W.; Cutts, J. A.
1981-01-01
Progress made in studying the evolution of Venusian craters and the evolution of infrared and radar signatures of lunar crater interiors is reported. Comparison of radar images of craters on Venus and the Moon present evidence for a steady state Venus crater population. Successful observations at the Arecibo Observatory yielded good data on five nights when data for a mix of inner and limb areas were acquired. Lunar craters with radar bright ejects are discussed. An overview of infrared radar crater catalogs in the data base is included.
Infrared and radar signatures of lunar craters - Implications about crater evolution
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thompson, T. W.; Cutts, J. A.; Shorthill, R. W.; Zisk, S. H.
1980-01-01
Geological models accounting for the strongly crater size-dependent IR and radar signatures of lunar crater floors are examined. The simplest model involves the formation and subsequent 'gardening' of an impact melt layer on the crater floor, but while adequate in accounting for the gradual fading of IR temperatures and echo strengths in craters larger than 30 km in diameter, it is inadequate for smaller ones. It is concluded that quantitative models of the evolution of rock populations in regoliths and of the interaction of microwaves with regoliths are needed in order to understand crater evolutionary processes.
Endogenic craters on basaltic lava flows - Size frequency distributions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greeley, R.; Gault, D. E.
1979-01-01
Circular crater forms, termed collapse depressions, which occur on many basalt flows on the earth have also been detected on the moon and Mars and possibly on Mercury and Io. The admixture of collapse craters with impact craters would affect age determinations of planetary surface units based on impact crater statistics by making them appear anomalously old. In the work described in the present paper, the techniques conventionally used in planetary crater counting were applied to the determination of the size range and size frequency distribution of collapse craters on lava flows in Idaho, California, and New Mexico. Collapse depressions range in size from 3 to 80 m in diameter; their cumulative size distributions are similar to those of small impact craters on the moon.
Lunar Bouguer gravity anomalies - Imbrian age craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dvorak, J.; Phillips, R. J.
1978-01-01
The Bouguer gravity of mass anomalies associated with four Imbrian age craters, analyzed in the present paper, are found to differ considerably from the values of the mass anomalies associated with some young lunar craters. Of the Imbrian age craters, only Piccolomini exhibits a negative gravity anomaly (i.e., a low density region) which is characteristic of the young craters studied. The Bouguer gravity anomalies are zero for each of the remaining Imbrian age craters. Since, Piccolomini is younger, or at least less modified, than the other Imbrian age craters, it is suggested that the processes responsible for the post-impact modification of the Imbrian age craters may also be responsible for removing the negative mass anomalies initially associated with these features.
Low-emissivity impact craters on Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weitz, C. M.; Elachi, C.; Moore, H. J.; Basilevsky, A. T.; Ivanov, B. A.; Schaber, G. G.
1992-01-01
An analysis of 144 impact craters on Venus has shown that 11 of these have floors with average emissivities lower than 0.8. The remaining craters have emissivities between 0.8 and 0.9, independent of the specific backscatter cross section of the crater floors. These 144 impact craters were chosen from a possible 164 craters with diameters greater than 30 km as identified by researchers for 89 percent of the surface of Venus. We have only looked at craters below 6053.5 km altitude because a mineralogical change causes high reflectivity/low emissivity above the altitude. We have also excluded all craters with diameters smaller than 30 km because the emissivity footprint at periapsis is 16 x 24 km and becomes larger at the poles.
Survey of TES high albedo events in Mars' northern polar craters
Armstrong, J.C.; Nielson, S.K.; Titus, T.N.
2007-01-01
Following the work exploring Korolev Crater (Armstrong et al., 2005) for evidence of crater interior ice deposits, we have conducted a survey of Thermal Emission Spectroscopy (TES) temperature and albedo measurements for Mars' northern polar craters larger than 10 km. Specifically, we identify a class of craters that exhibits brightening in their interiors during a solar longitude, Ls, of 60 to 120 degrees, roughly depending on latitude. These craters vary in size, latitude, and morphology, but appear to have a specific regional association on the surface that correlates with the distribution of subsurface hydrogen (interpreted as water ice) previously observed on Mars. We suggest that these craters, like Korolev, exhibit seasonal high albedo frost events that indicate subsurface water ice within the craters. A detailed study of these craters may provide insight in the geographical distribution of the ice and context for future polar missions. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.
Gradational evolution of young, simple impact craters on the Earth
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grant, J. A.; Schultz, P. H.
1991-01-01
From these three craters, a first order gradational evolutionary sequence can be proposed. As crater rims are reduced by backwasting and downwasting through fluvial and mass wasting processes, craters are enlarged by approx. 10 pct. Enlargement of drainages inside the crater eventually forms rim breaches, thereby capturing headward portions of exterior drainages. At the same time, the relative importance of gradational processes may reverse on the ejecta: aeolian activity may supersede fluvial incisement and fan formation at late stages of modification. Despite actual high drainage densities on the crater exterior during early stages of gradation, the subtle scale of these systems results in low density estimates from air photos and satellite images. Because signatures developed on surfaces around all three craters appear to be mostly gradient dependent, they may not be unique to simple crater morphologies. Similar signatures may develop on portions of complex craters as well; however, important differences may also occur.
Cratering time scales for the Galilean satellites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shoemaker, E. M.; Wolfe, R. F.
1982-01-01
An attempt is made to estimate the present cratering rate for each Galilean satellite within the correct order of magnitude and to extend the cratering rates back into the geologic past on the basis of evidence from the earth-moon system. For collisions with long and short period comets, the magnitudes and size distributions of the comet nuclei, the distribution of their perihelion distances, and the completeness of discovery are addressed. The diameters and masses of cometary nuclei are assessed, as are crater diameters and cratering rates. The dynamical relations between long period and short period comets are discussed, and the population of Jupiter-crossing asteroids is assessed. Estimated present cratering rates on the Galilean satellites are compared and variations of cratering rate with time are considered. Finally, the consistency of derived cratering time scales with the cratering record of the icy Galilean satellites is discussed.
Martian impact crater degradation studies: Implications for localized obliteration episodes
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barlow, N. G.
1992-01-01
Early spacecraft missions to Mars revealed that impact craters display a range of degradational states, but full appreciation of the range of preservational characteristics was not revealed until the Mariner 9 and Viking missions in the 1970's. Many studies have described the spatial and temporal distribution of obliteration episodes based on qualitative descriptions of crater degradation. Recent advances in photoclinometric techniques have led to improved estimates of crater morphometric characteristics. The present study is using photoclinometry to determine crater profiles and is comparing these results with the crater geometry expected for pristine craters of identical size. The result is an estimate of the degree of degradation suffered by Martian impact craters in selected regions of the planet. Size-frequency distribution analyses of craters displaying similar degrees of degradation within localized regions of the planet may provide information about the timing of obliteration episodes in these regions.
On the nature and rate of resurfacing of Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Arvidson, Raymond E.; Grimm, Robert E.; Phillips, Roger J.; Schaber, Gerald G.; Shoemaker, Eugene M.
1990-01-01
Crrater production and obliteration are modeled for the plains of Venus, using (1) the observed distribution of Venus-crossing asteroids and comets; (2) viscous relaxation of crater topography; and (3) erosion and burial by atmospheric, volcanic, and tectonic processes. Crater lifetimes are assumed to be proportional to crater depths for both classes of obliterative processes although the individual criteria vary. An average crater retention age between 0.4 to 2.0 Gyr is estimated for plains, under the assumption that craters are produced and not removed. The range is driven by uncertainty in identifying degraded impact as opposed to volcanic craters. On the other hand, crater retention ages greater than about 1.6 Gyr are unlikely if viscous relaxation operates without loading of crater floor by burial. The preferred model has plains subject to crater production and obliteration processes that vary over both space and time.
Hydrothermal Alteration at Lonar Crater, India and Elemental Variations in Impact Crater Clays
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Newsom, H. E.; Nelson, M. J.; Shearer, C. K.; Misra, S.; Narasimham, V.
2005-01-01
The role of hydrothermal alteration and chemical transport involving impact craters could have occurred on Mars, the poles of Mercury and the Moon, and other small bodies. We are studying terrestrial craters of various sizes in different environments to better understand aqueous alteration and chemical transport processes. The Lonar crater in India (1.8 km diameter) is particularly interesting being the only impact crater in basalt. In January of 2004, during fieldwork in the ejecta blanket around the rim of the Lonar crater we discovered alteration zones not previously described at this crater. The alteration of the ejecta blanket could represent evidence of localized hydrothermal activity. Such activity is consistent with the presence of large amounts of impact melt in the ejecta blanket. Map of one area on the north rim of the crater containing highly altered zones at least 3 m deep is shown.
Werner, S.C.; Tanaka, K.L.
2011-01-01
For the boundaries of each chronostratigraphic epoch on Mars, we present systematically derived crater-size frequencies based on crater counts of geologic referent surfaces and three proposed " standard" crater size-frequency production distributions as defined by (a) a simple -2 power law, (b) Neukum and Ivanov, (c) Hartmann. In turn, these crater count values are converted to model-absolute ages based on the inferred cratering rate histories. We present a new boundary definition for the Late Hesperian-Early Amazonian transition. Our fitting of crater size-frequency distributions to the chronostratigraphic record of Mars permits the assignment of cumulative counts of craters down to 100. m, 1. km, 2. km, 5. km, and 16. km diameters to martian epochs. Due to differences in the " standard" crater size-frequency production distributions, a generalized crater-density-based definition to the chronostratigraphic system cannot be provided. For the diameter range used for the boundary definitions, the resulting model absolute age fits vary within 1.5% for a given set of production function and chronology model ages. Crater distributions translated to absolute ages utilizing different curve descriptions can result in absolute age differences exceeding 10%. ?? 2011 Elsevier Inc.
An observational study of turbulence inside a closed basin
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fu, Peijian; Zhong, Shiyuan; Whiteman, C. David; Horst, Tom; Bian, Xindi
2010-12-01
Data from a flux tower on the floor of Arizona's Meteor Crater are compared to data on the plain outside the crater to determine the impact of basin topography on surface-layer mean and turbulence properties, focusing particularly on windy periods. The bowl-shaped crater amplifies the diurnal oscillations of temperature and heat fluxes, with the amplification most pronounced under quiescent synoptic conditions. The crater's rim shelters the crater atmosphere from mean background flows so that wind speeds inside the crater are usually less than half the speeds on the outside plain. But flows in the crater are much more turbulent, with turbulence presumably generated by the conversion of mean flow into turbulent motion. On days with near-surface winds outside the crater greater than 10 m s-1, turbulent kinetic energy can reach extremely large values (˜15 m2 s-2) inside the crater. Compared to the velocity and temperature spectra outside, spectral peaks occur at lower frequencies inside the crater, especially for the cross-stream wind component. The surface layer is very shallow (<2 m) on the crater floor, suggesting that the similarity theory-based empirical formulas may not be useful for describing properties of the flow at that location.
Recharge from a subsidence crater at the Nevada test site
Wilson, G. V.; Ely, D.M.; Hokett, S. L.; Gillespie, D. R.
2000-01-01
Current recharge through the alluvial fans of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) is considered to be negligible, but the impact of more than 400 nuclear subsidence craters on recharge is uncertain. Many of the craters contain a playa region, but the impact of these playas has not been addressed. It was hypothesized that a crater playa would focus infiltration through the surrounding coarser-grained material, thereby increasing recharge. Crater U5a was selected because it represented a worst case for runoff into craters. A borehole was instrumented for neutron logging beneath the playa center and immediately outside the crater. Physical and hydraulic properties were measured along a transect in the crater and outside the crater. Particle-size analysis of the 14.6 m of sediment in the crater and morphological features of the crater suggest that a large ponding event of ≈63000 m3 had occurred since crater formation. Water flow simulations with HYDRUS-2D, which were corroborated by the measured water contents, suggest that the wetting front advanced initially by as much as 30 m yr−1 with a recharge rate 32 yr after the event of 2.5 m yr−1Simulations based on the measured properties of the sediments suggest that infiltration will occur preferentially around the playa perimeter. However, these sediments were shown to effectively restrict future recharge by storing water until removal by evapotranspiration (ET). This work demonstrated that subsidence craters may be self-healing.
An Assessment of Regional Variations in Martian Modified Impact Crater Morphology
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Craddock, Robert A.; Bandeira, Lourenço.; Howard, Alan D.
2018-03-01
Impact craters on Mars have been extensively modified by ancient geologic processes that may have included rainfall and surface runoff, snow and ice, denudation by lava flows, burial by eolian material, or others. Many of these processes can leave distinct signatures on the morphometry of the modified impact crater as well as the surrounding landscape. To look for signs of potential regional differences in crater modification processes, we conducted an analysis of different morphometric parameters related to modified impact craters located in the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Sabaeus, Iapygia, Mare Tyrrhenum, Aeolis, and Eridania quadrangles, including depth, crater wall slope, crater floor slope, the curvature between the interior wall and the crater floor slope, and the curvature between the interior wall and surrounding landscape. A Welch's t test analysis comparing these parameters shows that fresh impact craters (Type 4) have consistent morphologies regardless of their geographic location examined in this study, which is not unexpected. Modified impact craters both in the initial (Type 3) and terminal stages (Type 1) of modification also have statistically consistent morphologies. This would suggest that the processes that operated in the late Noachian were globally ubiquitous, and that modified craters eventually reached a stable crater morphology. However, craters preserved in advanced (but not terminal) stages of modification (Type 2) have morphologies that vary across the quadrangles. It is possible that these variations reflect spatial differences in the types and intensity of geologic processes that operated during the Noachian, implying that the ancient climate also varied across regions.
Investigation of the relationship of crater depths and diameters in selected regions of Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hsu, Hsin-Jen
2013-03-01
Impact craters are common geomorphological features on Mars. The density of craters is different among various regions. Higher crater density means older terrain. Craters can be divided into two types by the interior morphology: simple and complex. The cavity of Simple craters is bowl-shape, and complex craters display various interior features, such as central peaks. The depth/diameter ratio (d/D) of simple craters is larger than that of complex craters. The transition diameter from simple to complex morphologies ranges between 5 and 10 km, and is commonly cited to be about 7 km in the equatorial regions and 6 km near the poles, but the exact value also could vary with terrain type. In this research, seven regions, Amazonis Planitia, Arabia Terra, Chryse Planitia, Hesperia Planum, Isidis Planitia, Solis/Syria/Sinai Planum, and Terra Sirenum, were selected to investigate the onset diameter of complex craters and the relationship of crater diameter and depth in these regions on Mars in order to understand how the geology affects crater d/D. The analysis revealed that the slopes of the d/D relations are different, and these are linked to the surface material in different regions. The onset diameters in young volcanic regions with stronger material are slightly higher than older volcanic regions, and much higher than that of volatile regions. The research proves the different geological units can affect the morphology and morphometry of craters.
'Victoria Crater' from 'Duck Bay'
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2006-01-01
NASA's Mars rover Opportunity edged 3.7 meters (12 feet) closer to the top of the 'Duck Bay' alcove along the rim of 'Victoria Crater' during the rover's 952nd Martian day, or sol (overnight Sept. 27 to Sept. 28), and gained this vista of the crater. The rover's navigation camera took the seven exposures combined into this mosaic view of the crater's interior. This crater has been the mission's long-term destination for the past 21 Earth months. The far side of the crater is about 800 meters (one-half mile) away. The rim of the crater is composed of alternating promontories, rocky points towering approximately 70 meters (230 feet) above the crater floor, and recessed alcoves, such as Duck Bay. The bottom of the crater is covered by sand that has been shaped into ripples by the Martian wind. The rocky cliffs in the foreground have been informally named 'Cape Verde,' on the left, and 'Cabo Frio,' on the right. Victoria Crater is about five times wider than 'Endurance Crater,' which Opportunity spent six months examining in 2004, and about 40 times wider than 'Eagle Crater,' where Opportunity first landed. The great lure of Victoria is an expectation that the thick stack of geological layers exposed in the crater walls could reveal the record of past environmental conditions over a much greater span of time than Opportunity has read from rocks examined earlier in the mission. This view is presented as a cylindrical projection with geometric seam correction.'Victoria Crater' from 'Duck Bay' (Polar Projection)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2006-01-01
NASA's Mars rover Opportunity edged 3.7 meters (12 feet) closer to the top of the 'Duck Bay' alcove along the rim of 'Victoria Crater' during the rover's 952nd Martian day, or sol (overnight Sept. 27 to Sept. 28), and gained this vista of the crater. The rover's navigation camera took the seven exposures combined into this mosaic view of the crater's interior. This crater has been the mission's long-term destination for the past 21 Earth months. The far side of the crater is about 800 meters (one-half mile) away. The rim of the crater is composed of alternating promontories, rocky points towering approximately 70 meters (230 feet) above the crater floor, and recessed alcoves, such as Duck Bay. The bottom of the crater is covered by sand that has been shaped into ripples by the Martian wind. The rocky cliffs in the foreground have been informally named 'Cape Verde,' on the left, and 'Cabo Frio,' on the right. Victoria Crater is about five times wider than 'Endurance Crater,' which Opportunity spent six months examining in 2004, and about 40 times wider than 'Eagle Crater,' where Opportunity first landed. The great lure of Victoria is an expectation that the thick stack of geological layers exposed in the crater walls could reveal the record of past environmental conditions over a much greater span of time than Opportunity has read from rocks examined earlier in the mission. This view is presented as a polar projection with geometric seam correction.'Victoria Crater' from 'Duck Bay' (Vertical Projection)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2006-01-01
NASA's Mars rover Opportunity edged 3.7 meters (12 feet) closer to the top of the 'Duck Bay' alcove along the rim of 'Victoria Crater' during the rover's 952nd Martian day, or sol (overnight Sept. 27 to Sept. 28), and gained this vista of the crater. The rover's navigation camera took the seven exposures combined into this mosaic view of the crater's interior. This crater has been the mission's long-term destination for the past 21 Earth months. The far side of the crater is about 800 meters (one-half mile) away. The rim of the crater is composed of alternating promontories, rocky points towering approximately 70 meters (230 feet) above the crater floor, and recessed alcoves, such as Duck Bay. The bottom of the crater is covered by sand that has been shaped into ripples by the Martian wind. The rocky cliffs in the foreground have been informally named 'Cape Verde,' on the left, and 'Cabo Frio,' on the right. Victoria Crater is about five times wider than 'Endurance Crater,' which Opportunity spent six months examining in 2004, and about 40 times wider than 'Eagle Crater,' where Opportunity first landed. The great lure of Victoria is an expectation that the thick stack of geological layers exposed in the crater walls could reveal the record of past environmental conditions over a much greater span of time than Opportunity has read from rocks examined earlier in the mission. This view is presented as a vertical projection with geometric seam correction.Block Distribution Analysis of Impact Craters in the Tharsis and Elysium Planitia Regions on Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Button, N.; Karunatillake, S.; Diaz, C.; Zadei, S.; Rajora, V.; Barbato, A.; Piorkowski, M.
2017-12-01
The block distribution pattern of ejecta surrounding impact craters reveals clues about their formation. Using images from High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) image onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), we indentified two rayed impact craters on Mars with measurable ejecta fields to quantitatively investigate in this study. Impact Crater 1 (HiRISE image PSP_008011_1975) is located in the Tharsis region at 17.41°N, 248.75°E and is 175 m in diameter. Impact Crater 2 (HiRISE image ESP_018352_1805) is located in Elysium Planitia at 0.51°N, 163.14°E and is 320 m in diameter. Our block measurements, used to determine the area, were conducted using HiView. Employing methods similar to Krishna and Kumar (2016), we compared block size and axis ratio to block distance from the center of the crater, impact angle, and direction. Preliminary analysis of sixteen radial sectors around Impact Crater 1 revealed that in sectors containing mostly small blocks (less than 10 m2), the small blocks were ejected up to three times the diameter of the crater from the center of the crater. These small block-dominated sectors lacked blocks larger than 10 m2. Contrastingly, in large block-dominated sectors (larger than 30 m2) blocks rarely traveled farther than 200 m from the center of the crater. We also seek to determine the impact angle and direction. Krishna and Kumar (2016) calculate the b-value (N(a) = Ca-b; "N(a) equals the number of fragments or craters with a size greater than a, C is a constant, and -b is a power index") as a method to determine the impact direction. Our preliminary results for Impact Crater 1 did not clearly indicate the impact angle. With improved measurements and the assessment of Impact Crater 2, we will compare Impact Crater 1 to Impact Crater 2 as well as assess the impact angle and direction in order to determine if the craters are secondary craters. Hood, D. and Karunatillake, S. (2017), LPSC, Abstract #2640 Krishna, N., and P. S. Kumar (2016), Icarus, 264, 274-299
The Effects of Terrain Properties on Determining Crater Model Ages of Lunar Surfaces
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kirchoff, M. R.; Marchi, S.
2017-12-01
Analyzing crater size-frequency distributions (SFDs) and using them to determine model ages of surfaces is an important technique for understanding the Moon's geologic history and evolution. Small craters with diameters (D) < 1 km are frequently used, especially given the very high resolution imaging now available from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Narrow and Wide Angle Cameras (LROC-NAC/WAC) and the Selene Terrain Camera. However, for these diameters, final crater sizes and shapes are affected by the properties of the terrains on which they are formed [1], which alters crater SFD shapes [2]. We use the Model Production Function (MPF; [2]), which includes terrain properties in computing crater production functions, to explore how incorporating terrain properties affects the estimation of crater model ages. First, crater SFDs are compiled utilizing LROC-WAC/NAC images to measure craters with diameters from 10 m up to 20 km (size of largest crater measured depends on the terrain). A nested technique is used to obtain this wide diameter range: D ≥ 0.5 km craters are measured in the largest area, D = 0.09-0.5 km craters are measured in a smaller area within the largest area, and D = 0.01-0.1 km craters are measured in the smallest area located in both of the larger areas. Then, we quantitatively fit the crater SFD with distinct MPFs that use broadly different terrain properties. Terrain properties are varied through coarsely altering the parameters in the crater scaling law [1] that represent material type (consolidated, unconsolidated, porous), material tensile strength, and material density (for further details see [2]). We also discuss the effect of changing terrain properties with depth (i.e., layering). Finally, fits are used to compute the D = 1 km crater model ages for the terrains. We discuss the new constraints on how terrain properties affect crater model ages from our analyses of a variety of lunar terrains from highlands to mare and impact melt to continuous ejecta deposits. References: [1] Holsapple, K. A & Housen, K. R., Icarus 187, 345-356, 2007. [2] Marchi, S., et al., AJ 137, 4936-4948, 2009.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ivanov, Mikhail; Head, James; Hiesinger, Harald; Bazilevskiy, Alexander; Hendrik Pasckert, Jan; Bauch, Karin
Crater Boguslawsky (73S, 44E) is the primary target for the lander-oriented Russian mission Luna-Glob. The rocky surfaces represent serious threats to landers. We have conducted a survey of the NAC images seeking for the rocky sites on the floor and assessing quantitative parameters of the size-frequency distributions (SFD) of boulders. Two craters on the Boguslawsky floor show abundant boulders in their surroundings. In the vicinity of Crater 1 (73.0S, 42.0E, 405 m), we have counted 9,000 rock fragments (1-13 m) at a radial distance <670 m outside the crater rim. The mean density of boulders in this zone is 76 rocks/10,000 m2. Boulders are arranged in elongated ray-like clusters. Shallow grooves (tracks) are associated with some larger boulders; the visible depth of the tracks is 0.3-0.5 m. There are 3,200 boulders (1-8 m) around Crater 4 (72.6S 44.9E, 340 m) at a radial distance <500 m outside the crater rim; the mean density is 52 rocks/10,000 m2. The spatial distribution of boulders around Crater 4 is similar to that at Crater 1, but no tracks are associated with boulders at Crater 4. The mean density of boulders around Crater 4 is 30% less than that at Crater 1, which suggests that Crater 4 is 30-50 Ma older than Crater 1 [Basilevsky et al., 2013]. The lack of boulder tracks in the vicinity of Crater 4 implies that a layer of regolith 0.3-0.5 m thick has been reworked during this time interval. A slope of -4.37 characterizes the SFD of boulders around Crater 1, whereas the SFD of boulders around Crater 4 has a slope of -5.54. These differences in slope indicate the preferential destruction of the larger rock fragments and suggest that up to 90% of boulders in the diameter range 8-12 m are fragmented into smaller pieces during the 30-50 Ma time span.
What Really Happened to Earth's Older Craters?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bottke, William; Mazrouei, Sara; Ghent, Rebecca; Parker, Alex
2017-10-01
Most assume the Earth’s crater record is heavily biased, with erosion/tectonics destroying older craters. This matches expectations, but is it actually true? To test this idea, we compared Earth’s crater record, where nearly all D ≥ 20 km craters are < 650 Myr old, to the Moon’s. Here lunar crater ages were computed using a new method employing LRO-Diviner temperature data. Large lunar rocks have high thermal inertia and remain warm through the night relative to the regolith. Analysis shows young craters with numerous meter-sized fragments are easy to pick out from older craters with eroded fragments. Moreover, an inverse relationship between rock abundance (RA) and crater age exists. Using measured RA values, we computed ages for 111 rocky craters with D ≥ 10 km that formed between 80°N and 80°S over the last 1 Gyr.We found several surprising results. First, the production rate of D ≥ 10 km lunar craters increased by a factor of 2.2 [-0.9, +4.4; 95% confidence limits] over the past 250 Myr compared to the previous 750 Myr. Thus, the NEO population is higher now than it has been for the last billion years. Second, the size and age distributions of lunar and terrestrial craters for D ≥ 20 km over the last 650 Myr have similar shapes. This implies that crater erasure must be limited on stable terrestrial terrains; in an average sense, for a given region, the Earth either keeps all or loses all of its D ≥ 20 craters at the same rate, independent of size. It also implies the observed deficit of large terrestrial craters between 250-650 Myr is not preservation bias but rather reflects a distinctly lower impact flux. We predict 355 ± 86 D ≥ 20 km craters formed on Earth over the last 650 Myr. Only 38 ± 6 are known, so the ratio, 10.7 ± 3.1%, is a measure of the Earth’s surface that is reasonably stable to large crater formation over 650 Myr. If erosion had dominated, the age distribution of terrestrial craters would be strongly skewed toward younger ages, which is not observed. We predict Chicxulub-type impacts were rare over the last Gyr, with the event 66 Ma a probable byproduct of the current high terrestrial impact flux.
Geologic Evolution of Saturn's Icy Moon Tethys
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wagner, Roland; Stephan, K.; Schmedemann, N.; Roatsch, T.; Kersten, E.; Neukum, G.; Porco, C. C.
2013-10-01
Tethys, 1072 km in diameter, is a mid-sized icy moon of Saturn imaged for the first time in two Voyager flybys [1][2][3]. Since July 2004, its surface has been imaged by the Cassini ISS cameras at resolutions between 200 and 500 m/pxl. We present results from our ongoing work to define and map geologic units in camera images obtained preferentially during Cassini’s Equinox and Solstice mission phases. In the majority of Tethys’ surface area a densely cratered plains unit [1][2][3][this work] is abundant. The prominent graben system of Ithaca Chasma is mapped as fractured cratered plains. Impact crater and basin materials can be subdivided into three degradational classes. Odysseus is a fresh large impact basin younger than Ithaca Chasma according to crater counts [4]. Heavily degraded craters and basins occur in the densely cratered plains unit. A smooth, less densely cratered plains unit in the trailing hemisphere was previously identified by [2] but mapping of its boundaries is difficult due to varying viewing geometries of ISS images. To the south of Odysseus, we identified a cratered plains unit not seen in Voyager data, characterized by remnants of highly degraded large craters superimposed by younger fresher craters with a lower crater density compared to the densely cratered plains unit. Its distinct linear northern contact with the densely cratered plains suggests a tectonic origin. Sets of minor fractures can be distinguished in the densely cratered plains, and locally, features of mass wasting can be observed. References: [1] Smith B. A. et al. (1981), Science 212, 163-191. [2] Smith B. A. et al. (1982), Science 215, 504-537. [3] Moore J. M. and Ahern J. L. (1983), JGR 88 (suppl.), A577-A584. [4] Giese B. et al. (2007), GRL 34, doi:10.1029/2007GL031467.
Moore, H.J.; Boyce, J.M.; Hahn, D.A.
1980-01-01
Apparently, there are two types of size-frequency distributions of small lunar craters (???1-100 m across): (1) crater production distributions for which the cumulative frequency of craters is an inverse function of diameter to power near 2.8, and (2) steady-state distributions for which the cumulative frequency of craters is inversely proportional to the square of their diameters. According to theory, cumulative frequencies of craters in each morphologic category within the steady-state should also be an inverse function of the square of their diameters. Some data on frequency distribution of craters by morphologic types are approximately consistent with theory, whereas other data are inconsistent with theory. A flux of crater producing objects can be inferred from size-frequency distributions of small craters on the flanks and ejecta of craters of known age. Crater frequency distributions and data on the craters Tycho, North Ray, Cone, and South Ray, when compared with the flux of objects measured by the Apollo Passive Seismometer, suggest that the flux of objects has been relatively constant over the last 100 m.y. (within 1/3 to 3 times of the flux estimated for Tycho). Steady-state frequency distributions for craters in several morphologic categories formed the basis for estimating the relative ages of craters and surfaces in a system used during the Apollo landing site mapping program of the U.S. Geological Survey. The relative ages in this system are converted to model absolute ages that have a rather broad range of values. The range of values of the absolute ages are between about 1/3 to 3 times the assigned model absolute age. ?? 1980 D. Reidel Publishing Co.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tornabene, Livio L.; Watters, Wesley A.; Osinski, Gordon R.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Harrison, Tanya N.; Ling, Victor; McEwen, Alfred S.
2018-01-01
We use topographic data to show that impact craters with pitted floor deposits are among the deepest on Mars. This is consistent with the interpretation of pitted materials as primary crater-fill impactite deposits emplaced during crater formation. Our database consists of 224 pitted material craters ranging in size from ∼1 to 150 km in diameter. Our measurements are based on topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). We have used these craters to measure the relationship between crater diameter and the initial post-formation depth. Depth was measured as maximum rim-to-floor depth, (dr), but we also report the depth measured using other definitions. The database was down-selected by refining or removing elevation measurements from ;problematic; craters affected by processes and conditions that influenced their dr/D, such as pre-impact slopes/topography and later overprinting craters. We report a maximum (deepest) and mean scaling relationship of dr = (0.347 ± 0.021)D0.537 ± 0.017 and dr = (0.323 ± 0.017)D0.538 ± 0.016, respectively. Our results suggest that significant variations between previously-reported MOLA-based dr vs. D relationships may result from the inclusion of craters that: 1) are influenced by atypical processes (e.g., highly oblique impact), 2) are significantly degraded, 3) reside within high-strength regions, and 4) are transitional (partially collapsed). By taking such issues into consideration and only measuring craters with primary floor materials, we present the best estimate to date of a MOLA-based relationship of dr vs. D for the least-degraded complex craters on Mars. This can be applied to crater degradation studies and provides a useful constraint for models of complex crater formation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salamunićcar, Goran; Vinković, Dejan; Lončarić, Sven; Vučina, Damir; Pehnec, Igor; Vojković, Marin; Gomerčić, Mladen; Hercigonja, Tomislav
In our previous work the following has been done: (1) the crater detection algorithm (CDA) based on digital elevation model (DEM) has been developed and the GT-115225 catalog has been assembled [GRS, 48 (5), in press, doi:10.1109/TGRS.2009.2037750]; and (2) the results of comparison between explosion-induced laboratory craters in stone powder surfaces and GT-115225 have been presented using depth/diameter measurements [41stLPSC, Abstract #1428]. The next step achievable using the available technology is to create 3D scans of such labo-ratory craters, in order to compare different properties with simple Martian craters. In this work, we propose a formal method for evaluation of laboratory craters, in order to provide objective, measurable and reproducible estimation of the level of achieved similarity between these laboratory and real impact craters. In the first step, the section of MOLA data for Mars (or SELENE LALT for Moon) is replaced with one or several 3D-scans of laboratory craters. Once embedment was done, the CDA can be used to find out whether this laboratory crater is similar enough to real craters, as to be recognized as a crater by the CDA. The CDA evaluation using ROC' curve represents how true detection rate (TDR=TP/(TP+FN)=TP/GT) depends on the false detection rate (FDR=FP/(TP+FP)). Using this curve, it is now possible to define the measure of similarity between laboratory and real impact craters, as TDR or FDR value, or as a distance from the bottom-right origin of the ROC' curve. With such an approach, the reproducible (formally described) method for evaluation of laboratory craters is provided.
Geologic Mapping of the Martian Impact Crater Tooting
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mouginis-Mark, Peter; Boyce, Joseph M.
2008-01-01
Tooting crater is approximately 29 km in diameters, is located at 23.4 deg N, 207.5 deg E and is classified as a multi-layered ejecta crater. Tooting crater is a very young crater, with an estimated age of 700,000 to 2M years. The crater formed on virtually flat lava flows within Amazonis Planitia where there appears to have been no major topographic features prior to the impact, so that we can measure ejecta thickness and cavity volume. In the past 12 months, the authors have: published their first detailed analysis of the geometry of the crater cavity and the distribution of the ejecta layers; refined the geologic map of the interior of Tooting crater through mapping of the cavity at a scale of 1:1100K; and continued the analysis of an increasing number of high resolution images obtained by the CTX and HiRISE instruments. Currently the authors seek to resolve several science issues that have been identified during this mapping, including: what is the origin of the lobate flows on the NW and SW rims of the crater?; how did the ejecta curtain break apart during the formation of the crater, and how uniform was the emplacement process for the ejecta layers; and, can we infer physical characteristics about the ejecta? Future study plans include the completion of a draft geologic map of Tooting crater and submission of it to the U.S. Geological survey for a preliminary review, publishing a second research paper on the detailed geology of the crater cavity and the distribution of the flows on the crater rim, and completing the map text for the 1:100K geologic map description of units at Tooting crater.
Povilaitis, R Z; Robinson, M S; van der Bogert, C H; Hiesinger, Harald; Meyer, H M; Ostrach, Lillian
2017-01-01
The global population of lunar craters >20 km in diameter was analyzed by Head et al., (2010) to correlate crater distribution with resurfacing events and multiple impactor populations. The work presented here extends the global crater distribution analysis to smaller craters (5–20 km diameters, n = 22,746). Smaller craters form at a higher rate than larger craters and thus add granularity to age estimates of larger units and can reveal smaller and younger areas of resurfacing. An areal density difference map generated by comparing the new dataset with that of Head et al., (2010) shows local deficiencies of 5–20 km diameter craters, which we interpret to be caused by a combination of resurfacing by the Orientale basin, infilling of intercrater plains within the nearside highlands, and partial mare flooding of the Australe region. Chains of 5–30 km diameter secondaries northwest of Orientale and possible 8–22 km diameter basin secondaries within the farside highlands are also distinguishable. Analysis of the new database indicates that craters 57–160 km in diameter across much of the lunar highlands are at or exceed relative crater densities of R = 0.3 or 10% geometric saturation, but nonetheless appear to fit the lunar production function. Combined with the observation that small craters on old surfaces can reach saturation equilibrium at 1% geometric saturation (Xiao and Werner, 2015), this suggests that saturation equilibrium is a size-dependent process, where large craters persist because of their resistance to destruction, degradation, and resurfacing.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Luyuan; Hirata, Naoyuki; Miyamoto, Hideaki
2017-10-01
As the youngest features on Ganymede, ray craters are useful in revealing the sources of recent impactors and surface modification processes on the satellite. We examine craters with D > 10 km on Ganymede from images obtained by the Voyager and Galileo spacecraft to identify ray craters and study their spatial distributions. Furthermore, we carefully select images of appropriate solar and emission angles to obtain unbiased ray crater densities. As a result, we find that the density of large ray craters (D > 25 km) on the bright terrain exhibits an apex-antapex asymmetry, and its degree of asymmetry is much lower than the theoretical estimation for ecliptic comets. For large craters (D > 25 km), ecliptic comets ought to be less important than previously assumed, and a possible explanation is that nearly isotropic comets may play a more important role on Ganymede than previously thought. We also find that small ray craters (10 km < D < 25 km) on the bright terrain and ray craters (D > 10 km) on the dark terrain show no apex-antapex asymmetry. We interpret that the distribution difference between the terrain types comes from preferential thermal sublimation on the dark terrain, while the distribution difference between large and small ray craters suggests that rays of small craters are more readily erased by some surface modification processes, such as micrometeorite gardening.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ivanov, M. A.; Basilevsky, A. T.; Abdrakhimov, A. M.; Karachevtseva, I. P.; Kokhanov, A. A.; Head, J. W.
2015-11-01
The paper considers the results of a study of the geological structure of the floor of the crater Boguslawsky selected as a primary target for the Luna-Glob mission. The deplanate floor of the crater is covered by the material ejected from remote craters and the crater Boguslawsky-D on the eastern inner slope of the crater Boguslawsky. It is highly probable that the sampling of the crater Boguslawsky-D ejecta will provide the unique possibility to detect and analyze the material that predates the formation of the largest and most ancient currently known basin on the Moon—the South Pole-Aitken basin. The rockiness degree of the Boguslawsky crater floor has been estimated from the radar data and the manual boulder counts in the superresolution images (0.5 m/pixel obtained with the Narrow Angle Camera from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter). Comparison of the radar data to the results of the photo-geological analysis shows that the main contributor to the radar signal is the rock debris located in the subsurface layer sounded by radar (1-1.5 m), while there are practically no boulders on the surface. The two most rocky regions on the crater Boguslawsky floor are associated with the relatively fresh impact craters 300-400 m in diameter. The spatial density of boulders near the craters suggests that one of them is 30-50 Myr older than the other. For both of these craters, the spatial density of boulders drops with the distance from their rims. The rate of the decrease in the boulder spatial density is the same for both craters, which points to the constant-in-time intensity of the fragmentation of boulders. The size distribution of boulders versus the distance from a rim of the older crater is approximated by the curve with a slope of-0.02, while the curve slope for the younger crater is-0.05. The gentler curve slope for the older crater is obviously connected with the equalization of sizes of the rock debris with time. The size-frequency distribution of all rock fragments for the both craters, regardless of the distance from the rim, shows that mainly large boulders first crumble away as the surface age increases. Some large boulders near the young crater demonstrate the traces of rolling, while such traces are absent for the boulders near the older crater. This allows us to estimate the intensity of the reworking of a thin surface layer at 0.01 m/Myr.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mckinnon, W. B.; Alexopoulos, J. S.
1994-01-01
Approximately 950 impact craters have been identified on the surface of Venus, mainly in Magellan radar images. From a combination of Earth-based Arecibo, Venera 15/1, and Magellan radar images, we have interpreted 72 as unequivocal peak-ring craters and four as multiringed basins. The morphological and structural preservation of these craters is high owing to the low level of geologic activity on the venusian surface (which is in some ways similar to the terrestrial benthic environment). Thus these craters should prove crucial to understanding the mechanics of ringed crater formation. They are also the most direct analogs for craters formed on the Earth in Phanerozoic time, such as Chicxulub. We summarize our findings to date concerning these structures.
Hailar crater - A possible impact structure in Inner Mongolia, China
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Zhiyong; Chen, Zhaoxu; Pu, Jiang; Xiao, Xiao; Wang, Yichen; Huang, Jun
2018-04-01
Hailar crater, a probable impact structure, is a circular depression about 300 m diameter in Inner Mongolia, northeast China. With broad elevated rims, the present rim-to-floor depth is 8-20 m. Regional geological background and geomorphological comparison suggest that this feature is likely not formed by surface processes such as salt diapir, karst, aeolian, glacial, or volcanic activity. Its unique occurrence in this region and well-preserved morphology are most consistent with it being a Cenozoic impact crater. Two field expeditions in 2016 and 2017 investigated the origin of this structure, recognizing that (1) no additional craters were identified around Hailar crater in the centimeter-scale digital topography models that were constructed using a drone imaging system and stereo photogrammetry; (2) no bedrock exposures are visible within or adjacent to the crater because of thick regolith coverage, and only small pieces of angular unconsolidated rocks are present on the crater wall and the gently-sloped crater rim, suggesting recent energetic formation of the crater; (3) most samples collected from the crater have identical lithology and petrographic characteristics with the background terrain, but some crater samples contain more abundant clasts and silicate hydrothermal veins, indicating that rocks from depths have been exposed by the crater; (4) no shock metamorphic features were found in the samples after thin section examinations; and (5) a systematic sample survey and iron detector scan within and outside of the crater found no iron-rich meteorites larger than 2 cm in size in a depth of 30 cm. Although no conclusive evidence for an impact origin is found yet, Hailar crater was most likely formed by an impact based on its unique occurrence and comparative geomorphologic study. We suggest that drilling in the crater center is required to verify the impact origin, where hypothesized melt-bearing impactites may be encountered.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2002-01-01
(Released 14 June 2002) The Science This THEMIS visible image shows a classic example of a martian impact crater with a central peak. Central peaks are common in large, fresh craters on both Mars and the Moon. This peak formed during the extremely high-energy impact cratering event. In many martian craters the central peak has been either eroded or buried by later sedimentary processes, so the presence of a peak in this crater indicates that the crater is relatively young and has experienced little degradation. Observations of large craters on the Earth and the Moon, as well as computer modeling of the impact process, show that the central peak contains material brought from deep beneath the surface. The material exposed in these peaks will provide an excellent opportunity to study the composition of the martian interior using THEMIS multi-spectral infrared observations. The ejecta material around the crater can is well preserved, again indicating relatively little modification of this landform since its initial creation. The inner walls of this approximately 18 km diameter crater show complex slumping that likely occurred during the impact event. Since that time there has been some downslope movement of material to form the small chutes and gullies that can be seen on the inner crater wall. Small (50-100 m) mega-ripples composed of mobile material can be seen on the floor of the crater. Much of this material may have come from the walls of the crater itself, or may have been blown into the crater by the wind. The Story When a meteor smacked into the surface of Mars with extremely high energy, pow! Not only did it punch an 11-mile-wide crater in the smoother terrain, it created a central peak in the middle of the crater. This peak forms kind of on the 'rebound.' You can see this same effect if you drop a single drop of milk into a glass of milk. With craters, in the heat and fury of the impact, some of the land material can even liquefy. Central peaks like the one above are common in large, fresh craters on both Mars and the Moon. In many older Martian craters, however, the central peak has either been eroded or was buried by later deposits of sand, dust, and 'dirt' on the terrain. With the pronounced, non-eroded peak in this crater, you can tell that it hasn't been around for a long time. Its youth is also apparent because of the ejected material around the crater that spreads out from it in an almost flame-or petal-like pattern with little evidence of erosion. Observations of large craters on the Earth and the Moon, as well as computer modeling of the impact process, show that central peaks contain material brought from deep beneath the surface. The material exposed in these peaks will provide an excellent opportunity to study what the interior of Mars is made of. In addition to providing images of Mars like the one above, the THEMIS camera system has the capability to analyze the mineral composition of the surface. That means it will be able to look at this area and 'see' both the composition of the top surface, as well as the exposed interior that is uplifted in the central peak. Stay tuned for more news later from this crater! Until then, take a closer look at the walls of this crater. Particularly on the western side, you can see how whole portions of the wall have slid or 'slumped' downward, probably sometime during the impact event. Since then, smaller amounts of material have slid downslope as well, forming small chutes and gullies that streak down the inner crater wall. On the floor of the crater, you can also see small, mobile mega-ripples that extend up to a football field in length. (Look for the tiny, bright, white ripples especially to the north of the crater floor.) These ripples were probably created from material coming down from the wall of the crater or alternatively from dust and 'dirt' that was blown into the crater by the wind.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Golombek, M.; Grant, J. A.; Crumpler, L. S.
2005-01-01
The Mars Exploration Rovers have provided a field geologist's perspective of impact craters in various states of degradation along their traverses at Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum. This abstract will describe the craters observed and changes to the craters that constrain the erosion rates and the climate [l]. Changes to craters on the plains of Gusev argue for a dry and desiccating environment since the Late Hesperian in contrast to the wet and likely warm environment in the Late Noachian at Meridiani in which the sulfate evaporites were deposited in salt-water playas or sabkhas.
Authentication controversies and impactite petrography of the New Quebec Crater
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marvin, Ursula B.; Kring, David A.
1992-01-01
The literature reports that led to the current acceptance of New Quebec Crater (Chubb Crater) as an authentic impact crater are reviewed, and it is noted that, for reasons that are not entirely clear, a meteoritic origin for the New Quebec Crater achieved wider acceptance at an earlier data than for the Lake Bosumtwi Crater, for which petrographic and chemical evidence is more abundant and compelling. The petrography of two impact melt samples from the New Quebec Crater was investigated, and new evidence is obtained on the degrees of shock metamorphism affecting the accessory minerals such as apatite, sphene, magnetite, and zircon.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hirabayashi, M.; Howl, B. A.; Fassett, C. I.; Soderblom, J. M.; Minton, D. A.; Melosh, H. J.
2018-02-01
Impact cratering is likely a primary agent of regolith generation on airless bodies. Regolith production via impact cratering has long been a key topic of study since the Apollo era. The evolution of regolith due to impact cratering, however, is not well understood. A better formulation is needed to help quantify the formation mechanism and timescale of regolith evolution. Here we propose an analytically derived stochastic model that describes the evolution of regolith generated by small, simple craters. We account for ejecta blanketing as well as regolith infilling of the transient crater cavity. Our results show that the regolith infilling plays a key role in producing regolith. Our model demonstrates that because of the stochastic nature of impact cratering, the regolith thickness varies laterally, which is consistent with earlier work. We apply this analytical model to the regolith evolution at the Apollo 15 site. The regolith thickness is computed considering the observed crater size-frequency distribution of small, simple lunar craters (< 381 m in radius for ejecta blanketing and <100 m in radius for the regolith infilling). Allowing for some amount of regolith coming from the outside of the area, our result is consistent with an empirical result from the Apollo 15 seismic experiment. Finally, we find that the timescale of regolith growth is longer than that of crater equilibrium, implying that even if crater equilibrium is observed on a cratered surface, it is likely that the regolith thickness is still evolving due to additional impact craters.
Geologic map of Tooting crater, Amazonis Planitia region of Mars
Mouginis-Mark, Peter J.
2015-01-01
Tooting crater has a diameter of 27.2 km, and formed on virtually flat lava flows within Amazonis Planitia ~1,300 km west of the summit of Olympus Mons volcano, where there appear to have been no other major topographic features prior to the impact. The crater formed in an area ~185 x 135 km that is at an elevation between −3,870 m and −3,874 m relative to the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) Mars datum. This fortuitous situation (for example, a bland, horizontal target) allows the geometry of the crater and the thickness of the ejecta blanket to be accurately determined by subtracting the appropriate elevation of the surrounding landscape (−3,872 m) from the individual MOLA measurements across the crater. Thus, for the first time, it is possible to determine the radial decrease of ejecta thickness as a function of distance away from the rim crest. On the basis of the four discrete ejecta layers surrounding the crater cavity, Tooting crater is classified as a Multiple-Layered Ejecta (MLE) crater. By virtue of the asymmetric distribution of secondary craters and the greater thickness of ejecta to the northeast, Morris and others (2010) proposed that Tooting crater formed by an oblique impact from the southwest. The maximum range of blocks that produced identifiable secondary craters is ~500 km (~36.0 crater radii) from the northeast rim crest. In contrast, secondary craters are only identifiable ~215 km (15.8 radii) to the southeast and 225 km (16.5 radii) to the west.
1990-08-24
This Magellan image mosaic shows the impact crater Golubkina, first identified in Soviet Venera 15/16 data. The crater is names after Anna Golubkina (1864-1927), a Soviet sculptor. The crater is about 34 km (20.4 mi.) across, similar to the size of the West Clearwater impact structure in Canada. The crater Golubkina is located at about 60.5 degrees north latitude, 286.7 degrees est longitude. Magellan data reveal that Golubkina has many characteristics typical of craters formed by a mereorite impact including terraced inner walls, a central peak, and radar-bright rough ejecta surrounding the crater. The extreme darkness of the crater floor indicates a smooth surface, perhaps formed by the ponding of lava flows in the crater floor as seen in may lunar impact craters. The radar-bright ejecta surrounding the crater indicates a relatively fresh or young crater. Craters with centeral peaks in the Soviet data range in size from about 10-60 km (6-36 mi.) across. The largest crater identifed in the Soviet Venera data is 140 km (84 mi) in diameter. This Magellan image strip in approx. 100 km (62 mi.) long. The image is a mosaic of two orbits obtained in the first Magellan radar test and played back to Earth to the Deep Space Network stations near Goldstone, CA and Canberra, Australia, respectively. The resolution of this image is approximately 120 meters (400 feet). The see-saw margins result from the offset of individual radar frames obtained along the orbit. The spacecraft moved from the north (top) to the south, looking to the left.
The Explorer's Guide to Impact Craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pierazzo, E.; Osinski, G.; Chuang, F.
2004-12-01
Impact cratering is a fundamental geologic process of our solar system. It competes with other processes, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, or fluvial, glacial and eolian activity, in shaping the surfaces of planetary bodies. In some cases, like the Moon and Mercury, impact craters are the dominant landform. On other planetary bodies impact craters are being continuously erased by the action of other geological processes, like volcanism on Io, erosion and plate tectonics on the Earth, tectonic and volcanic resurfacing on Venus, or ancient erosion periods on Mars. The study of crater populations is one of the principal tools for understanding the geologic history of a planetary surface. Among the general public, impact cratering has drawn wide attention through its portrayal in several Hollywood movies. Questions that are raised after watching these movies include: ``How do scientists learn about impact cratering?'', and ``What information do impact craters provide in understanding the evolution of a planetary surface?'' Fundamental approaches used by scientists to learn about impact cratering include field work at known terrestrial craters, remote sensing studies of craters on various solid surfaces of solar system bodies, and theoretical and laboratory studies using the known physics of impact cratering. We will provide students, science teachers, and the general public an opportunity to experience the scientific endeavor of understanding and exploring impact craters through a multi-level approach including images, videos, and rock samples. This type of interactive learning can also be made available to the general public in the form of a website, which can be addressed worldwide at any time.
Bright crater outflows: Possible emplacement mechanisms
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chadwick, D. John; Schaber, Gerald G.; Strom, Robert G.; Duval, Darla M.
1992-01-01
Lobate features with a strong backscatter are associated with 43 percent of the impact craters cataloged in Magellan's cycle 1. Their apparent thinness and great lengths are consistent with a low-viscosity material. The longest outflow yet identified is about 600 km in length and flows from the 90-km-diameter crater Addams. There is strong evidence that the outflows are largely composed of impact melt, although the mechanisms of their emplacement are not clearly understood. High temperatures and pressures of target rocks on Venus allow for more melt to be produced than on other terrestrial planets because lower shock pressures are required for melting. The percentage of impact craters with outflows increases with increasing crater diameter. The mean diameter of craters without outflows is 14.4 km, compared with 27.8 km for craters with outflows. No craters smaller than 3 km, 43 percent of craters in the 10- to 30-km-diameter range, and 90 percent in the 80- to 100-km-diameter range have associated bright outflows. More melt is produced in the more energetic impact events that produce larger craters. However, three of the four largest craters have no outflows. We present four possible mechanisms for the emplacement of bright outflows. We believe this 'shotgun' approach is justified because all four mechanisms may indeed have operated to some degree.
2017-04-20
Given enough time, impact craters on Mars tend to fill up with different materials. For instance, some craters on Mars had lakes inside them in the past. When these lakes dried out, they left behind traces of their past existence, such as sedimentary deposits (materials that were carried along with the running water into the lake inside the crater and then settled down). Some craters, especially in high latitudes, contain ice deposits that filled the crater when an earlier ice age allowed ice to extend into the crater's latitude. Here, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spies a crater that lies close to Elysium, a major volcanic system on Mars. The whole region surrounding the crater was at some point covered by lava from the volcano creating vast lava plains, and in the process, flooding impact craters in their way. When the lava eventually cooled down, it solidified and began to shrink in size. This shrinking led to formation of cracks on the surface of the lava that grew in a circular pattern matching the shape of the crater it was filling. Scientists can study these fractures and estimate how much it shrank in volume to better understand the properties of the lava (such as its temperature) during the time it filled the crater. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21596
Modeling Low Velocity Impacts: Predicting Crater Depth on Pluto
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bray, V. J.; Schenk, P.
2014-12-01
The New Horizons mission is due to fly-by the Pluto system in Summer 2015 and provides the first opportunity to image the Pluto surface in detail, allowing both the appearance and number of its crater population to be studied for the first time. Bray and Schenk (2014) combined previous cratering studies and numerical modeling of the impact process to predict crater morphology on Pluto based on current understanding of Pluto's composition, structure and surrounding impactor population. Predictions of how the low mean impact velocity (~2km/s) of the Pluto system will influence crater formation is a complex issue. Observations of secondary cratering (low velocity, high angle) and laboratory experiments of impact at low velocity are at odds regarding how velocity controls depth-diameter ratios: Observations of secondary craters show that these low velocity craters are shallower than would be expected for a hyper-velocity primary. Conversely, gas gun work has shown that relative crater depth increases as impact velocity decreases. We have investigated the influence of impact velocity further with iSALE hydrocode modeling of comet impact into Pluto. With increasing impact velocity, a projectile will produce wider and deeper craters. The depth-diameter ratio (d/D) however has a more complex progression with increasing impact velocity: impacts faster than 2km/s lead to smaller d/D ratios as impact velocity increases, in agreement with gas-gun studies. However, decreasing impact velocity from 2km/s to 300 m/s produced smaller d/D as impact velocity was decreased. This suggests that on Pluto the deepest craters would be produced by ~ 2km/s impacts, with shallower craters produced by velocities either side of this critical point. Further simulations to investigate whether this effect is connected to the sound speed of the target material are ongoing. The complex relationship between impact velocity and crater depth for impacts occurring between 300m/s and 10 km/s suggests that there might be a larger range of 'pristine' crater depths on Pluto than on bodies with higher mean impact velocity. This might affect our ability to define a pristine crater depth as a starting point for crater infill and relaxation studies.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Matthews, John A.; Owen, Geraint; McEwen, Lindsey J.; Shakesby, Richard A.; Hill, Jennifer L.; Vater, Amber E.; Ratcliffe, Anna C.
2017-11-01
This regional inventory and study of a globally uncommon landform type reveals similarities in form and process between craters produced by snow-avalanche and meteorite impacts. Fifty-two snow-avalanche impact craters (mean diameter 85 m, range 10-185 m) were investigated through field research, aerial photographic interpretation and analysis of topographic maps. The craters are sited on valley bottoms or lake margins at the foot of steep avalanche paths (α = 28-59°), generally with an easterly aspect, where the slope of the final 200 m of the avalanche path (β) typically exceeds 15°. Crater diameter correlates with the area of the avalanche start zone, which points to snow-avalanche volume as the main control on crater size. Proximal erosional scars ('blast zones') up to 40 m high indicate up-range ejection of material from the crater, assisted by air-launch of the avalanches and impulse waves generated by their impact into water-filled craters. Formation of distal mounds up to 12 m high of variable shape is favoured by more dispersed down-range deposition of ejecta. Key to the development of snow-avalanche impact craters is the repeated occurrence of topographically-focused snow avalanches that impact with a steep angle on unconsolidated sediment. Secondary craters or pits, a few metres in diameter, are attributed to the impact of individual boulders or smaller bodies of snow ejected from the main avalanche. The process of crater formation by low-density, low-velocity, large-volume snow flows occurring as multiple events is broadly comparable with cratering by single-event, high-density, high-velocity, small-volume projectiles such as small meteorites. Simple comparative modelling of snow-avalanche events associated with a crater of average size (diameter 85 m) indicates that the kinetic energy of a single snow-avalanche impact event is two orders of magnitude less than that of a single meteorite-impact event capable of producing a crater of similar size, which is consistent with the incremental development of snow-avalanche impact craters through the Holocene.
GT-57633 catalogue of Martian impact craters developed for evaluation of crater detection algorithms
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salamunićcar, Goran; Lončarić, Sven
2008-12-01
Crater detection algorithms (CDAs) are an important subject of the recent scientific research. A ground truth (GT) catalogue, which contains the locations and sizes of known craters, is important for the evaluation of CDAs in a wide range of CDA applications. Unfortunately, previous catalogues of craters by other authors cannot be easily used as GT. In this paper, we propose a method for integration of several existing catalogues to obtain a new craters catalogue. The methods developed and used during this work on the GT catalogue are: (1) initial screening of used catalogues; (2) evaluation of self-consistency of used catalogues; (3) initial registration from three different catalogues; (4) cross-evaluation of used catalogues; (5) additional registrations and registrations from additional catalogues; and (6) fine-tuning and registration with additional data-sets. During this process, all craters from all major currently available manually assembled catalogues were processed, including catalogues by Barlow, Rodionova, Boyce, Kuzmin, and our previous work. Each crater from the GT catalogue contains references to crater(s) that are used for its registration. This provides direct access to all properties assigned to craters from the used catalogues, which can be of interest even to those scientists that are not directly interested in CDAs. Having all these craters in a single catalogue also provides a good starting point for searching for craters still not catalogued manually, which is also expected to be one of the challenges of CDAs. The resulting new GT catalogue contains 57,633 craters, significantly more than any previous catalogue. From this point of view, GT-57633 catalogue is currently the most complete catalogue of large Martian impact craters. Additionally, each crater from the resulting GT-57633 catalogue is aligned with MOLA topography and, during the final review phase, additionally registered/aligned with 1/256° THEMIS-DIR, 1/256° MDIM and 1/256° MOC data-sets. Accordingly, the resulting GT-57633 catalogue can successfully be used as a part of the framework for evaluation of CDAs.
Calculation of ejecta thickness and structural uplift for Lunar and Martian complex crater rims.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Krüger, Tim; Sturm, Sebastian; Kenkmann, Thomas
2014-05-01
Crater rims of simple and complex craters have an elevation that is formed during the excavation stage of crater formation. For simple crater rims it is believed that the elevation is due to the sum of two equal parts, the thickness of the most proximal impact ejecta blanket (overturned flap) plus the thickness that results from plastic deformation including injection [1, 2, 3]. We intend to measure and quantify the kinematics of mass movements, especially concerning the question why complex impact craters have elevated crater rims like simple craters and precisely constrain the ejecta thickness and structural uplift of Lunar and Martian crater rims to understand what the main contributor to the elevated rim is [4]. We investigated a pristine 16 km-diameter unnamed Martian complex crater (21.52°N, 184.35°) and the lunar complex craters Bessel (21.8°N, 17.9°E) 16 km in diameter and Euler (23.3°N, 29.2°W) 28 km in diameter [5, 6]. In the crater walls of these craters we found columnar lavas on Mars and basaltic layering on the Moon. We used the uppermost layers of these exposed outcrops along the crater wall to determine the dip of the target rocks (Mars) and to distinguish between the bedrock and the overlying ejecta. We precisely measured the structural uplift and ejecta thickness of these complex craters. The unnamed crater on Mars has a mean rim height of 375.75 m, with a structural uplift of 233.88 m (57.44%), exposed as columnar lavas and the superposing ejecta has a height of 141.87 m (43.56%). For the Lunar complex crater Euler the mean total rim height is 790 ± 100 m, with a minimal structural uplift of 475 ± 100 m (60 ± 10 %), exposed as basaltic layers [e.g., 7, 8] and a maximum ejecta thickness of 315 ± 100 m (40 ± 10%). The Lunar complex crater Bessel has a total rim height of 430 ± 15 m , with a minimal structural uplift of 290 ± 15 m (67 ± 3 %), exposed as basaltic layers and a maximum ejecta thickness of 140 ± 115 m (33 ± 3%). For the Martian crater, the calculated structural uplift has a value of 215.83 m [9]. For Euler and Bessel crater calculated values for the structural uplift are 310.76 m and 262.8 m, respectively [10]. The structural uplift of the crater rim only by dike injection and plastic deformation in the underlying target material seems unlikely at distances ~1 km beyond the transient crater cavity. Other mechanisms, like reverse faulting, beginning in the excavation stage of crater formation, could be responsible for additional structural uplift of the crater rim. Nevertheless, our results show that structural uplift is a more dominant effect than ejecta emplacement for complex impact craters. References: [1] Melosh H.J. (1989) Oxford monographs on geology and geophysics, 11, Impact cratering: a geologic process. [2] Poelchau M.H. et al. (2009) JGR, 114, E01006. [3] Shoemaker E. M. (1963) The Solar System, 4, 301-336. [4] Settle M., and Head J.W. (1977) Icarus, v. 31, p. 123. [5] Sturm, S. et al. (2014) LPSC 45, #1801. [6] Krüger T. et al. (2014) LPSC 45, #1834. [7] Hiesinger H. et al. (2002) GRL, 29. [8] Enns A.C. (2013) LPSC XLIV, #2751. [9] Steward S. T. and Valiant G. J. (2006) Meteoritics & Planet. Sci., 41, 1509-1537. [10] Pike R. J. (1974) EPSL, 23, 265-274. [11]Turtle, E. et al. (2005) GSA-SP. 384, 1.
2011-10-15
The crater on asteroid Vesta shown in this image from NASA Dawn spacecraft was emplaced onto the ejecta blanket of two large twin craters. Commonly, rays from impact craters are brighter than the surrounding surface.
Application of X-ray computed microtomography to soil craters formed by raindrop splash
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Beczek, Michał; Ryżak, Magdalena; Lamorski, Krzysztof; Sochan, Agata; Mazur, Rafał; Bieganowski, Andrzej
2018-02-01
The creation of craters on the soil surface is part of splash erosion. Due to the small size of these craters, they are difficult to study. The main aim of this paper was to test X-ray computed microtomography to investigate craters formed by raindrop impacts. Measurements were made on soil samples moistened to three different levels corresponding with soil water potentials of 0.1, 3.16 and 16 kPa. Using images obtained by X-ray microtomography, geometric parameters of the craters were recorded and analysed. X-ray computed microtomography proved to be a useful and efficient tool for the investigation of craters formed on the soil surface after the impact of water drops. The parameters of the craters changed with the energy of the water drops and were dependent on the initial moisture content of the soil. Crater depth is more dependent on the increased energy of the water drop than crater diameter.
Global detection of large lunar craters based on the CE-1 digital elevation model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Luo, Lei; Mu, Lingli; Wang, Xinyuan; Li, Chao; Ji, Wei; Zhao, Jinjin; Cai, Heng
2013-12-01
Craters, one of the most significant features of the lunar surface, have been widely researched because they offer us the relative age of the surface unit as well as crucial geological information. Research on crater detection algorithms (CDAs) of the Moon and other planetary bodies has concentrated on detecting them from imagery data, but the computational cost of detecting large craters using images makes these CDAs impractical. This paper presents a new approach to crater detection that utilizes a digital elevation model instead of images; this enables fully automatic global detection of large craters. Craters were delineated by terrain attributes, and then thresholding maps of terrain attributes were used to transform topographic data into a binary image, finally craters were detected by using the Hough Transform from the binary image. By using the proposed algorithm, we produced a catalog of all craters ⩾10 km in diameter on the lunar surface and analyzed their distribution and population characteristics.
How much material do the radar-bright craters at the Mercurian poles contain?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vilas, Faith; Cobian, Paul S.; Barlow, Nadine G.; Lederer, Susan M.
2005-12-01
The depth-to-diameter (d/D) ratios were determined for 12 craters located near the Mercurian north pole that were identified by Harmon et al. (2001, Icarus 149) as having strong depolarized radar echos. We find that the mean d/D value of these radar-bright craters is {2}/{3} the mean d/D value of the general population of non-radar-bright craters in the surrounding north polar region. Previous studies, however, show no difference between d/D values of Mercurian polar and equatorial crater populations, suggesting that no terrain softening which could modify crater structure exists at the Mercurian poles (Barlow et al., 1999, 194, Icarus 141). Thus, the change in d/D is governed by a change in crater depth, probably due to deposition of material inside the crater. The volume of infilling material, including volatiles, in the radar-bright craters is significantly greater than predicted by proposed mechanisms for the emplacement of either water ice or sulfur.
The curious history of Tethys as evidenced by irregular craters and variable tectonism
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ferguson, S. N.; Rhoden, A.; Nayak, M.; Asphaug, E. I.
2017-12-01
At first glance, the surface of Saturn's moon Tethys appears dominated by craters and its large canyon system, Ithaca Chasma. However, high-resolution Cassini imagery reveals a surface rife with curious geologic features, perhaps indicative of non-heliocentric impact populations and, potentially, a history of tectonic activity. We mapped three regions on Tethys to survey the diversity of features present on the surface, determine crater counts for each region, map and analyze fracture patterns, and identify constraints on the impactor populations. One study region is just south and west of the Odysseus impact basin (R1), and the other two regions sit slightly west of Ithaca Chasma (R2 and R3). The regions were imaged at average resolutions of 200m/pix, which is adequate to identify craters down to D=1km. Of 1200 total craters counted, we have identified 195 elliptical craters and 28 polygonal craters. Elliptical craters likely form from slow, oblique impacts, whereas polygonal craters are indicative of underlying tectonic structure. We identified 605 small craters, D=1-2km, across the three regions; we find that R1 has many more 1-10 km craters than R2 and R3. We also mapped 367 linear features. The median and range of orientations of the linear features vary across the regions. Despite their proximity, the orientations of lineations in R2 and R3 are not consistent with the orientation of Ithaca Chasma. This could be suggestive of different epochs of tectonic activity on Tethys. When compared with R2 and R3, R1 has more small craters, more lineations, and a preferred orientation of lineations that is distinct from the other two regions. Possible causes for a larger population of small craters in R1 include secondary craters from Odysseus and oblique impacts from debris ejected from Tethys' co-orbital moons, which should create many more 1km craters in R1 than the other regions. Due to the oblique impact angles predicted for incoming co-orbital debris, these impacts may have also produced some of the lineations observed in R1. Oblique impacts can also form elliptical craters, but that would imply much larger debris than expected from the craters presently observed on the co-orbitals. We discuss additional analysis and implications of Tethys' curious geologic features on its bombardment and tectonic history.
Quantifying Slope Effects and Variations in Crater Density across a Single Geologic Unit
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Meyer, Heather; Mahanti, Prasun; Robinson, Mark; Povilaitis, Reinhold
2016-10-01
Steep underlying slopes (>~5°) significantly increase the rate of degradation of craters [1-3]. As a result, the density of craters is less on steeper slopes for terrains of the same age [2, 4]. Thus, when age-dating a planetary surface, an area encompassing one geologic unit of constant low slope is chosen. However, many key geologic units, such as ejecta blankets, lack sufficient area of constant slope to derive robust age estimates. Therefore, accurate age-dating of such units requires an accurate understanding of the effects of slope on age estimates. This work seeks to determine if the observed trend of decreasing crater density with increasing slopes [2] holds for craters >1 km and to quantify the effect of slope for craters of this size, focusing on the effect of slopes over the kilometer scale. Our study focuses on the continuous ejecta of Orientale basin, where we measure craters >1 km excluding secondaries that occur as chains or clusters. Age-dating via crater density measurements relies on uniform cratering across a single geologic unit. In the case of ejecta blankets and other impact related surfaces, this assumption may not hold due to the formation of auto- secondary craters. As such, we use LRO WAC mosaics [5], crater size-frequency distributions, absolute age estimates, a 3 km slope map derived from the WAC GLD100 [6], and density maps for various crater size ranges to look for evidence of non-uniform cratering across the continuous ejecta of Orientale and to determine the effect of slope on crater density. Preliminary results suggest that crater density does decrease with increasing slope for craters >1 km in diameter though at a slower rate than for smaller craters.References: [1] Trask N. J. and Rowan L. C. (1967) Science 158, 1529-1535. [2] Basilevsky (1976) Proc. Lunar Sci. Conf. 7th, p. 1005-1020. [3] Pohn and Offield (1970) USGS Prof. Pap., 153-162. [4] Xiao et al. (2013) Earth and Planet. Sci. Lett., 376, pgs. 1-11. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2013.06.015. [5] Robinson M. S. et al. (2010) Space Sci. Rev. 150, 81 -124. [6] Scholten F. et al. (2011), JGR, 117, doi:10.1029/2011JE003926
Heavily Cratered Terrain at South Pole
2000-08-05
NASA Mariner 10 photo reveals a heavily cratered terrain on Mercury with a prominent scrap extending several hundred kilometers across the upper left. A crater, nested in a larger crater, is at top center.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grant, J. A.; Schultz, P. H.
1991-01-01
Previous ground penetrating radar (GRP) studies around 50,000 year old Meteor Crater revealed the potential for rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive sub-surface investigations for deep reflectors (generally greater than 10 m). New GRP results are summarized focusing the shallow sub-surfaces (1-2 m) around Meteor Crater and the main crater at Odessa. The following subject areas are covered: (1) the thickness, distribution, and nature of the contact between surrounding alluvial deposits and distal ejecta; and (2) stratigraphic relationships between both the ejecta and alluvium derived from both pre and post crater drainages. These results support previous conclusions indicating limited vertical lowering (less than 1 m) of the distal ejecta at Meteor Crater and allow initial assessment of the gradational state if the Odessa craters.
Martian planetwide crater distributions - Implications for geologic history and surface processes
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Soderblom, L. A.; Condit, C. D.; West, R. A.; Herman, B. M.; Kreidler, T. J.
1974-01-01
Three different diameter size ranges are considered in connection with the Martian crater distribution, taking into account small craters from 0.6 to 1.2 km, intermediate-sized craters from 4 to 10 km, and large craters with diameters exceeding 20 km. One of the objectives of the investigation reported is to establish the effects of eolian processes in the modification of craters in the different size ranges. Another objective is concerned with a description of the genetic relationships among the three size ranges of craters. Observables related to the relative age of geologic provinces are to be separated from observables related to geographic variations in eolian transport and deposition. Lunar and Martian cratering histories are compared as a basis for establishing relative and absolute time scales for the geological evolution of Mars.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bandeira, Lourenço; Ding, Wei; Stepinski, Tomasz F.
2012-01-01
Counting craters is a paramount tool of planetary analysis because it provides relative dating of planetary surfaces. Dating surfaces with high spatial resolution requires counting a very large number of small, sub-kilometer size craters. Exhaustive manual surveys of such craters over extensive regions are impractical, sparking interest in designing crater detection algorithms (CDAs). As a part of our effort to design a CDA, which is robust and practical for planetary research analysis, we propose a crater detection approach that utilizes both shape and texture features to identify efficiently sub-kilometer craters in high resolution panchromatic images. First, a mathematical morphology-based shape analysis is used to identify regions in an image that may contain craters; only those regions - crater candidates - are the subject of further processing. Second, image texture features in combination with the boosting ensemble supervised learning algorithm are used to accurately classify previously identified candidates into craters and non-craters. The design of the proposed CDA is described and its performance is evaluated using a high resolution image of Mars for which sub-kilometer craters have been manually identified. The overall detection rate of the proposed CDA is 81%, the branching factor is 0.14, and the overall quality factor is 72%. This performance is a significant improvement over the previous CDA based exclusively on the shape features. The combination of performance level and computational efficiency offered by this CDA makes it attractive for practical application.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wagner, Roland; Schmedemann, Nico; Neukum, Gerhard; Werner, Stephanie C.; Ivanov, Boris A.; Stephan, Katrin; Jaumann, Ralf; Palumbo, Pasquale
2014-11-01
Crater distributions and origin of potential impactors on the Galilean satellites has been an issue of controversial debate. In this work, we review the current knowledge of the cratering record on Ganymede and Callisto and present strategies for further studies using images from ESA’s JUICE mission to Jupiter. Crater distributions in densely cratered units on these two satellites show a complex shape between 20 m and 200 km crater diameter, similar to lunar highland distributions implying impacts of members of a collisionally evolved projectile family. Also, the complex shape predominantly indicates production distributions. No evidence for apex-antapex asymmetries in crater frequency was found, therefore the majority of projectiles (a) preferentially impacted from planetocentric orbits, or (b) the satellites were rotating non-synchronously during a time of heavy bombardment. The currently available imaging data are insufficient to investigate in detail significant changes in the shape of crater distributions with time. Clusters of secondary craters are well mappable and excluded from crater counts, lack of sufficient image coverage at high resolution, however, in many cases impedes the identification of source craters. ESA’s future JUICE mission will study Ganymede as the first icy satellite in the outer Solar system from an orbit under stable viewing conditions. Measurements of crater distributions can be carried out based on global geologic mapping at highest spatial resolutions (10s of meters down to 3 m/pxl).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kirchoff, Michelle R.; Grimm, Robert E.
2018-01-01
Determining the evolution of tropical subsurface ice is a key component to understanding Mars's climate and geologic history. Study of an intriguing crater type on Mars—layered ejecta craters, which likely form by tapping subsurface ice—may provide constraints on this evolution. Layered ejecta craters have a continuous ejecta deposit with a fluidized-flow appearance. Single-layered ejecta (SLE) craters are the most common and dominate at tropical latitudes and therefore offer the best opportunity to derive new constraints on the temporal evolution of low-latitude subsurface ice. We estimate model formation ages of 54 SLE craters with diameter (
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Anderson, W.; Day, M. D.
2017-12-01
Mars is a dry planet with a thin atmosphere. Aeolian processes - wind-driven mobilization of sediment and dust - are the dominant mode of landscape variability on the dessicated landscapes of Mars. Craters are common topographic features on the surface of Mars, and many craters on Mars contain a prominent central mound (NASA's Curiosity rover was landed in Gale crater, with the rover journeying across an inner plan and towards Gale's central mound, Aeolus Mons). These mounds are composed of sedimentary fill, and, therefore, they contain rich information on the evolution of climatic conditions on Mars embodied in the stratigraphic "layering" of sediments. Many other craters no longer house a mound, but contain sediment and dust from which dune fields and other features form. Using density-normalized large-eddy simulations, we have modeled turbulent flows over crater-like topographies that feature a central mound. Resultant datasets suggest a deflationary mechanism wherein vortices shed from the upwind crater rim are realigned to conform to the crater profile via stretching and tilting. This insight was gained using three-dimensional datasets (momentum, vorticity, and turbulent stresses) retrieved from LES, and assessment of the relative influence of constituent terms responsible for the sustenance of mean vorticity. The helical, counter-rotating vortices occupy the inner region of the crater, and, therefore, are argued to be of great importance for aeolian morphodynamics in the crater (radial katabatic flows are also important to aeolian processes within the crater).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fassett, C.; Crowley, M. C.; Leight, C.; Dyar, M. D.; Minton, D.; Hirabayashi, M.; Thomson, B. J.; Watters, W. A.
2017-12-01
Observations of how the topography of impact craters vary with age enable estimates for how fast the surface of airless bodies evolve. Fresh simple craters form with a depth/diameter (d/D) ratio of 0.21, sharp rims, and steep interior slopes. These fresh craters then are eroded and infilled, reducing d/D, and topographically muting their appearance. On the Moon and Mercury, the dominant mechanism responsible for this erosion likely includes the cumulative effects of numerous later small primary and secondary impact craters. The resulting topographic evolution can be modeled as a diffusive process, similar to how hillslopes evolve on Earth. However, the topographic diffusivity (κ) forced by impact cratering is dependent on both scale and time, so diffusion is anomalous, rather than classical. A key finding of this study is how the diffusivity and hence erosion rate is different on the Moon and Mercury. On the Moon, based on measurements of >13000 craters in the 800 m ≤ D ≤ 5 km size range on the lunar maria, the average diffusivity at 1 km scale is estimated as 5.5m2/Myr. With this diffusivity, D 1 km craters are reduced to 52% of their original depth over 3 Ga. Larger craters have relative depths that are much less reduced over an equivalent period, and smaller craters are much more eroded, even accounting for some scale-dependence of diffusivity (κ ∝ D0.9). In fact, the smallest craters are sufficiently degraded to become unrecognizable. The rate of topographic diffusion is the critical control on how a crater population reaches saturation equilibrium. On Mercury, d/D for 204 craters with 2.5 km ≤ D ≤ 5 km on the smooth plains were measured with MDIS stereo topography and MLA data. For these craters, the median d/D was 0.13. Craters in this same size range on the lunar maria are much less modified than those on Mercury when measured with the same techniques on data resampled to a resolution equivalent to the Mercury data, and their d/D is nearly indistinguishable from the fresh crater value. This difference in crater degradation is remarkable given that Mercury's smooth plains and the lunar maria likely have average ages that are comparable ( 3.3-3.8 Ga), if not identical. These results imply crater degradation is faster by a factor of at least two on Mercury than on the Moon, suggesting more rapid landform evolution on Mercury at all scales.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
King, I. R.; Fassett, C. I.; Thomson, B. J.; Minton, D. A.; Watters, W. A.
2017-01-01
When sufficiently large impact craters form on the Moon, rocks and unweathered materials are excavated from beneath the regolith and deposited into their blocky ejecta. This enhances the rockiness and roughness of the proximal ejecta surrounding fresh impact craters. The interior of fresh craters are typically also rough, due to blocks, breccia, and impact melt. Thus, both the interior and proximal ejecta of fresh craters are usually radar bright and have high circular polarization ratios (CPR). Beyond the proximal ejecta, radar-dark halos are observed around some fresh craters, suggesting that distal ejecta is finer-grained than background regolith. The radar signatures of craters fade with time as the regolith grows.
Opportunity's Travels During its First 205 Martian Days
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
This map shows the traverse of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity through the rover's 205th martian day, or sol (Aug. 21, 2004). The background image is from the rover's descent imaging camera. Images inset along the route are from Opportunity's navigation camera. Opportunity began its exploration inside 'Eagle' crater near the left edge of the map. Following completion of its study of the outcrop there, it traversed eastward to a small crater ('Fram' crater) before driving southeastward to the rim of 'Endurance' crater. After a survey partly around the south rim of Endurance crater, Opportunity drove inside the southwest rim of Endurance crater and began a systematic study of outcrops exposed on the crater's inner slope.1990-08-24
This image of the Venusian crater Golubkina, a 34-km (20.4 mi.) diameter impact crater located at about 60.5 degrees north latitude, 287.2 degrees east longitude, contains Magellan data mosaicked with a Soviet Venera 15/16 radar image of the sames feature. The Magellan part of the image (right) reveals details of the geology of the crater such as the central peak, the inner terraced walls, and the extremely smooth floor of the crater. The smoothness of the floor may be due to ponding of volcanic lava flows in the crater floor. The rough, blocky morphology of the crater ejecta and the sharp terraced crater wall suggest that this feature is relatively young.
The Group of Macha Craters in Western Yakutia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gurov, E. P.
1996-03-01
The group of Macha craters is placed in the marginal part of Aldan Anteclise in Macha river basin, the left tributary of Lena river. Coordinates of the craters: 60 degrees 06 minutes N, 117 degrees 35 minutes E. The Macha craters were discovered by aerovisual observations of Aldan Shield and Aldan Anteclise during the impact craters search in this region.
Lunar crater arcs. [origins, distribution and age classification of Pre-Imbrian families
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jaffe, L. D.; Bulkley, E. O.
1976-01-01
An analysis has been made of the tendency of large lunar craters to lie along circles. A catalog of the craters at least 50 km in diameter was prepared first, noting position, diameter, rim sharpness and completion, nature of underlying surface, and geological age. The subset of those craters 50-400 km in diameter was then used as input to computer programs which identified each 'family' of four or more craters of selected geological age lying on a circular arc. For comparison, families were also identified for randomized crater models in which the crater spatial density was matched to that on the moon, either overall or separately for mare and highland areas. The observed frequency of lunar arcuate families was statistically highly significantly greater than for the randomized models, for craters classified as either late-pre-Imbrian (Nectarian), middle pre-Imbrian, or early pre-Imbrian, as well as for a number of larger age-classes. The lunar families tend to center in specific areas of the moon; these lie in highlands rather than maria and are different for families of Nectarian craters than for pre-Nectarian. The origin of the arcuate crater groupings is not understood.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brown, Richard B.; Navard, Andrew R.; Holland, Donald E.; McKellip, Rodney D.; Brannon, David P.
2010-01-01
Barringer Meteorite Crater or Meteor Crater, AZ, has been a site of high interest for lunar and Mars analog crater and terrain studies since the early days of the Apollo-Saturn program. It continues to be a site of exceptional interest to lunar, Mars, and other planetary crater and impact analog studies because of its relatively young age (est. 50 thousand years) and well-preserved structure. High resolution (2 meter to 1 decimeter) digital terrain models of Meteor Crater in whole or in part were created at NASA Stennis Space Center to support several lunar surface analog modeling activities using photogrammetric and ground based laser scanning techniques. The dataset created by this activity provides new and highly accurate 3D models of the inside slope of the crater as well as the downslope rock distribution of the western ejecta field. The data are presented to the science community for possible use in furthering studies of Meteor Crater and impact craters in general as well as its current near term lunar exploration use in providing a beneficial test model for lunar surface analog modeling and surface operation studies.
Secondary Crater-Initiated Debris Flow on the Moon
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Martin-Wells, K. S.; Campbell, D. B.; Campbell, B. A.; Carter, L. M.; Fox, Q.
2016-01-01
In recent work, radar circular polarization echo properties have been used to identify "secondary" craters without distinctive secondary morphologies. Because of the potential for this method to improve our knowledge of secondary crater population-in particular the effect of secondary populations on crater- derived ages based on small craters-it is important to understand the origin of radar polarization signatures associated with secondary impacts. In this paper, we utilize Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera photographs to examine the geomorphology of secondary craters with radar circular polarization ratio enhancements. Our investigation reveals evidence of dry debris flow with an impact melt component at such secondary craters. We hypothesize that these debris flows were initiated by the secondary impacts themselves, and that they have entrained blocky material ejected from the secondaries. By transporting this blocky material downrange, we propose that these debris flows (rather than solely ballistic emplacement) are responsible for the tail-like geometries of enhanced radar circular polarization ratio associated with the secondary craters investigated in this work. Evidence of debris flow was observed at both clustered and isolated secondary craters, suggesting that such flow may be a widespread occurrence, with important implications for the mixing of primary and local material in crater rays.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wood, Charles A.; Coombs, Cassandra R.
1989-01-01
A central question for any planet is the age of its surface. Based on comparative planetological arguments, Venus should be as young and active as the Earth (Wood and Francis). The detection of probable impact craters in the Venera radar images provides a tool for estimating the age of the surface of Venus. Assuming somewhat different crater production rates, Bazilevskiy et al. derived an age of 1 + or - 0.5 billion years, and Schaber et al. and Wood and Francis estimated an age of 200 to 400 million years. The known impact craters are not randomly distributed, however, thus some area must be older and others younger than this average age. Ages were derived for major geologic units on Venus using the Soviet catalog of impact craters (Bazilevskiy et al.), and the most accessible geologic unit map (Bazilevskiy). The crater counts are presented for (diameters greater than 20 km), areas, and crater densities for the 7 terrain units and coronae. The procedure for examining the distribution of craters is superior to the purely statistical approaches of Bazilevskiy et al. and Plaut and Arvidson because the bins are larger (average size 16 x 10(6) sq km) and geologically significant. Crater densities define three distinct groups: relatively heavily cratered (Lakshmi, mountain belts), moderately cratered (smooth and rolling plains, ridge belts, and tesserae), and essentially uncratered (coronae and domed uplands). Following Schaber et al., Grieve's terrestrial cratering rate of 5.4 + or - 2.7 craters greater than 20 km/10(9) yrs/10(6) sq km was used to calculate ages for the geologic units on Venus. To improve statistics, the data was aggregated into the three crater density groups, deriving the ages. For convenience, the three similar age groups are given informal time stratigraphic unit names, from youngest to oldest: Ulfrunian, Sednaian, Lakshmian.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wood, Charles A.; Coombs, Cassandra R.
A central question for any planet is the age of its surface. Based on comparative planetological arguments, Venus should be as young and active as the Earth (Wood and Francis). The detection of probable impact craters in the Venera radar images provides a tool for estimating the age of the surface of Venus. Assuming somewhat different crater production rates, Bazilevskiy et al. derived an age of 1 + or - 0.5 billion years, and Schaber et al. and Wood and Francis estimated an age of 200 to 400 million years. The known impact craters are not randomly distributed, however, thus some area must be older and others younger than this average age. Ages were derived for major geologic units on Venus using the Soviet catalog of impact craters (Bazilevskiy et al.), and the most accessible geologic unit map (Bazilevskiy). The crater counts are presented for (diameters greater than 20 km), areas, and crater densities for the 7 terrain units and coronae. The procedure for examining the distribution of craters is superior to the purely statistical approaches of Bazilevskiy et al. and Plaut and Arvidson because the bins are larger (average size 16 x 10(6) sq km) and geologically significant. Crater densities define three distinct groups: relatively heavily cratered (Lakshmi, mountain belts), moderately cratered (smooth and rolling plains, ridge belts, and tesserae), and essentially uncratered (coronae and domed uplands). Following Schaber et al., Grieve's terrestrial cratering rate of 5.4 + or - 2.7 craters greater than 20 km/10(9) yrs/10(6) sq km was used to calculate ages for the geologic units on Venus. To improve statistics, the data was aggregated into the three crater density groups, deriving the ages. For convenience, the three similar age groups are given informal time stratigraphic unit names, from youngest to oldest: Ulfrunian, Sednaian, Lakshmian.
Confirmation of saturation equilibrium conditions in crater populations
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hartmann, William K.; Gaskell, Robert W.
1993-01-01
We have continued work on realistic numerical models of cratered surfaces, as first reported at last year's LPSC. We confirm the saturation equilibrium level with a new, independent test. One of us has developed a realistic computer simulation of a cratered surface. The model starts with a smooth surface or fractal topography, and adds primary craters according to the cumulative power law with exponent -1.83, as observed on lunar maria and Martian plains. Each crater has an ejecta blanket with the volume of the crater, feathering out to a distance of 4 crater radii. We use the model to test the levels of saturation equilibrium reached in naturally occurring systems, by increasing crater density and observing its dependence on various parameters. In particular, we have tested to see if these artificial systems reach the level found by Hartmann on heavily cratered planetary surfaces, hypothesized to be the natural saturation equilibrium level. This year's work gives the first results of a crater population that includes secondaries. Our model 'Gaskell-4' (September, 1992) includes primaries as described above, but also includes a secondary population, defined by exponent -4. We allowed the largest secondary from each primary to be 0.10 times the size of the primary. These parameters will be changed to test their effects in future models. The model gives realistic images of a cratered surface although it appears richer in secondaries than real surfaces are. The effect of running the model toward saturation gives interesting results for the diameter distribution. Our most heavily cratered surface had the input number of primary craters reach about 0.65 times the hypothesized saturation equilibrium, but the input number rises to more than 100 times that level for secondaries below 1.4 km in size.
Sesquinary reimpacts dominate surface characteristics on Phobos
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nayak, Michael
2018-01-01
We use topographic data to show that impact craters with pitted floor deposits are among the deepest on Mars. This is consistent with the interpretation of pitted materials as primary crater-fill impactite deposits emplaced during crater formation. Our database consists of 224 pitted material craters ranging in size from ˜1 to 150 km in diameter. Our measurements are based on topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). We have used these craters to measure the relationship between crater diameter and the initial post-formation depth. Depth was measured as maximum rim-to-floor depth, (dr), but we also report the depth measured using other definitions. The database was down-selected by refining or removing elevation measurements from "problematic" craters affected by processes and conditions that influenced their dr/D, such as pre-impact slopes/topography and later overprinting craters. We report a maximum (deepest) and mean scaling relationship of dr = (0.347±0.021)D0.537±0.017 and dr = (0.323±0.017)D0.538±0.016, respectively. Our results suggest that significant variations between previously-reported MOLA-based dr vs. D relationships may result from the inclusion of craters that: 1) are influenced by atypical processes (e.g., highly oblique impact), 2) are significantly degraded, 3) reside within high-strength regions, and 4) are transitional (partially collapsed). By taking such issues into consideration and only measuring craters with primary floor materials, we present the best estimate to date of a MOLA-based relationship of dr vs. D for the least-degraded complex craters on Mars. This can be applied to crater degradation studies and provides a useful constraint for models of complex crater formation.
Identification of craters on Moon using Crater Density Parameter
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vandana, Vandana
2016-07-01
Lunar craters are the most noticeable features on the face of the moon. They take up 40.96% of the lunar surface and, their accumulated area is approximately three times as much as the lunar surface area. There are many myths about the moon. Some says moon is made of cheese. The moon and the sun chase each other across the sky etc. but scientifically the moon are closest and are only natural satellite of earth. The orbit plane of the moon is tilted by 5° and orbit period around the earth is 27-3 days. There are two eclipse i.e. lunar eclipse and solar eclipse which always comes in pair. Moon surface has 3 parts i.e. highland, Maria, and crater. For crater diagnostic crater density parameter is one of the means for measuring distance can be easily identity the density between two craters. Crater size frequency distribution (CSFD) is being computed for lunar surface using TMC and MiniSAR image data and hence, also the age for the selected test sites of mars is also determined. The GIS-based program uses the density and orientation of individual craters within LCCs (as vector points) to identify potential source craters through a series of cluster identification and ejection modeling analyses. JMars software is also recommended and operated only the time when connected with server but work can be done in Arc GIS with the help of Arc Objects and Model Builder. The study plays a vital role to determine the lunar surface based on crater (shape, size and density) and exploring affected craters on the basis of height, weight and velocity. Keywords: Moon; Crater; MiniSAR.
Effects of the Venusian atmosphere on incoming meteoroids and the impact crater population
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Herrick, Robert R.; Phillips, Roger J.
1994-01-01
The dense atmosphere on Venus prevents craters smaller than about 2 km in daimater from forming and also causes formation of several crater fields and multiple-floored craters (collectively referred to as multiple impacts). A model has been constructed that simulates the behavior of a meteoroid in a dense planetary atmosphere. This model was then combined with an assumed flux of incoming meteoroids in an effort to reproduce the size-frequency distribution of impact craters and several aspects of the population of the crater fields and multiple-floored craters on Venus. The modeling indicates that it is plausible that the observed rollover in the size-frequency curve for Venus is due entirely to atmospheric effects on incoming meteoroids. However, there must be substantial variation in the density and behavior of incoming meteoroids in the atmosphere. Lower-density meteoroids must be less likely to survive atmospheric passage than simple density differences can account for. Consequently, it is likely that the percentage of craters formed by high-density meteoroids is very high at small crater diameters, and this percentage decreases substantially with increasing crater diameter. Overall, high-density meteoroids created a disproportionately large percentage of the impact craters on Venus. Also, our results indicate that a process such as meteoroid flattening or atmospheric explosion of meteoroids must be invoked to prevent craters smaller than the observed minimum diameter (2 km) from forming. In terms of using the size-frequency distribution to age-date the surface, the model indicates that the observed population has at least 75% of the craters over 32 km in diameter that would be expected on an atmosphereless Venus; thus, this part of the curve is most suitable for comparison with calibrated curves for the Moon.
Machine Identification of Martian Craters Using Digital Elevation Data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bue, B.; Stepinski, T. F.
2005-12-01
Impact craters are among the most studied features on Martian surface. Their importance stems from the worth of information that a detailed analysis of their number and morphology can bring forth. Because building manually a comprehensive dataset of craters is a laborious process, there have been many previous attempts to develop an automatic, image-based crater identifier. The resulting identifiers suffer from low efficiency and remain in an experimental stage. We have developed a DEM-based, fully autonomous crater identifier that takes an arbitrarily large Martian site as an input and produces a catalog of craters as an output. Using the topography data we calculate a topographic profile curvature that is thresholded to produce a binary image, pixels having maximum negative curvature are labeled black, the remaining pixels are labeled white. The black pixels outline craters because crater rims are the most convex feature in the Martian landscape. The Hough Transform (HT) is used for an actual recognition of craters in the binary image. The image is first segmented (without cutting the craters) into a large number of smaller images using the ``flood" algorithm that identifies basins. This segmentation makes possible the application of highly inefficient HT to large sites. The identifier is applied to a 106 km2 site located around the Herschel crater. According to the Barlow catalog, this site contains 485 craters >5 km. Our identifier finds 1099 segments, 628 of them are classified as craters >5 km. Overall, there is an excellent agreement between the two catalogs, although the specific statistics are still pending due to the difficulties in recalculating the MDIM 1 coordinate system used in the Barlow catalog to the MDIM 2.1 coordinate system used by our identifier.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barlow, N. G.
1993-01-01
This study determines crater depth through use of photoclinometric profiles. Random checks of the photoclinometric results are performed using shadow estimation techniques. The images are Viking Orbiter digital format frames; in cases where the digital image is unusable for photoclinometric analysis, shadow estimation is used to determine crater depths. The two techniques provide depth results within 2 percent of each other. Crater diameters are obtained from the photoclinometric profiles and checked against the diameters measured from the hard-copy images using a digitizer. All images used in this analysis are of approximately 40 m/pixel resolution. The sites that have been analyzed to date include areas within Arabia, Maja Valles, Memnonia, Acidalia, and Elysium. Only results for simple craters (craters less than 5 km in diameter) are discussed here because of the low numbers of complex craters presently measured in the analysis. General results indicate that impact craters are deeper than average. A single d/D relationship for fresh impact craters on Mars does not exist due to changes in target properties across the planet's surface. Within regions where target properties are approximately constant, however, d/D ratios for fresh craters can be determined. In these regions, the d/D ratios of nonpristine craters can be compared with the fresh crater d/D relationship to obtain information on relative degrees of crater degradation. This technique reveals that regional episodes of enhanced degradation have occurred. However, the lack of statistically reliable size-frequency distribution data prevents comparison of the relative ages of these events between different regions, and thus determination of a large-scale episode (or perhaps several episodes) cannot be made at this time.
'Victoria Crater' from 'Duck Bay' (Stereo)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2006-01-01
[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 1 [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 2 NASA's Mars rover Opportunity edged 3.7 meters (12 feet) closer to the top of the 'Duck Bay' alcove along the rim of 'Victoria Crater' during the rover's 952nd Martian day, or sol (overnight Sept. 27 to Sept. 28), and gained this vista of the crater. The rover's navigation camera took the seven exposures combined into this mosaic view of the crater's interior. This crater has been the mission's long-term destination for the past 21 Earth months. The far side of the crater is about 800 meters (one-half mile) away. The rim of the crater is composed of alternating promontories, rocky points towering approximately 70 meters (230 feet) above the crater floor, and recessed alcoves, such as Duck Bay. The bottom of the crater is covered by sand that has been shaped into ripples by the Martian wind. The rocky cliffs in the foreground have been informally named 'Cape Verde,' on the left, and 'Cabo Frio,' on the right. Victoria Crater is about five times wider than 'Endurance Crater,' which Opportunity spent six months examining in 2004, and about 40 times wider than 'Eagle Crater,' where Opportunity first landed. The great lure of Victoria is an expectation that the thick stack of geological layers exposed in the crater walls could reveal the record of past environmental conditions over a much greater span of time than Opportunity has read from rocks examined earlier in the mission. The stereo-anaglyph view presented here is a cylindrical projection with geometric seam correction.Crater studies: Part A: lunar crater morphometry
Pike, Richard J.
1973-01-01
Morphometry, the quantitative study of shape, complements the visual observation and photointerpretation in analyzing the most outstanding landforms of the Moon, its craters (refs. 32-1 and 32-2). All three of these interpretative tools, which were developed throughout the long history of telescopic lunar study preceding the Apollo Program, will continue to be applicable to crater analysis until detailed field work becomes possible. Although no large (>17.5 km diameter) craters were examined in situ on any of the Apollo landings, the photographs acquired from the command modules will markedly strengthen results of less direct investigations of the craters. For morphometry, the most useful materials are the orbital metric and panoramic photographs from the final three Apollo missions. These photographs permit preparation of contour maps, topographic profiles, and other numerical data that accurately portray for the first time the surface geometry of lunar craters of all sizes. Interpretations of craters no longer need be compromised by inadequate topographic data. In the pre-Apollo era, hypotheses for the genesis of lunar craters usually were constructed without any numerical descriptive data. Such speculations will have little credibility unless supported by accurate, quantitative data, especially those generated from Apollo orbital photographs. This paper presents a general study of the surface geometry of 25 far-side craters and a more detailed study of rim-crest evenness for 15 near-side and far-side craters. Analysis of this preliminary sample of Apollo 15 and 17 data, which includes craters between 1.5 and 275 km in diameter, suggests that most genetic interpretations of craters made from pre-Apollo topographic measurements may require no drastic revision. All measurements were made from topographic profiles generated on a stereoplotter at the Photogrammetric Unit of the U.S. Geological Survey, Center of Astrogeology, Flagstaff, Arizona.
2016-02-11
This image, taken by NASA Dawn spacecraft, shows a densely cratered region within Meanderi Crater on Ceres. Elongated craters in the wall of the largest impact feature are likely the result of material slumping down the crater walls.
Investigation of Secondary Craters in the Saturnian System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hoogenboom, T.; Schenk, P.; White, O. L.
2012-03-01
To derive accurate ages using impact craters, the impact source must be determined. We investigate secondary crater size, frequency, distribution, formation, and crater chain formation on icy satellites throughout the Jupiter and Saturn systems.
1996-01-29
NASA Magellan synthetic aperture radar SAR imaged this unique triplet crater, or crater field during orbits 418-421 on Sept. 21, 1990. The three craters appear to have relatively steep walls. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00088
2003-03-22
In this image from NASA Mars Odyssey, eroded mesas and secondary craters dot the landscape in an area of Cydonia Mensae. The single oval-shaped crater displays a butterfly ejecta pattern, indicating that the crater formed from a low-angle impact.
Large, Fresh Crater Surrounded by Smaller Craters
2014-05-22
The largest crater associated with a March 2012 impact on Mars has many smaller craters around it, revealed in this image from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment HiRISE camera on NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Large craters on the meteoroid and space debris impact experiment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Humes, Donald H.
1991-01-01
The distribution around the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) of 532 large craters in the Al plates from the Meteoroid and Space Debris Impact Experiment (S0001) is discussed along with 74 additional large craters in Al plates donated to the Meteoroid and Debris Special Investigation Group by other LDEF experimenters. The craters are 0.5 mm in diameter and larger. Crater shape is discussed. The number of craters and their distribution around the spacecraft are compared with values predicted with models of the meteoroid environment and the manmade orbital debris environment.
Exploration of Victoria crater by the mars rover opportunity
Squyres, S. W.; Knoll, A.H.; Arvidson, R. E.; Ashley, James W.; Bell, J.F.; Calvin, W.M.; Christensen, P.R.; Clark, B. C.; Cohen, B. A.; De Souza, P.A.; Edgar, L.; Farrand, W. H.; Fleischer, I.; Gellert, Ralf; Golombek, M.P.; Grant, J.; Grotzinger, J.; Hayes, A.; Herkenhoff, K. E.; Johnson, J. R.; Jolliff, B.; Klingelhofer, G.; Knudson, A.; Li, R.; McCoy, T.J.; McLennan, S.M.; Ming, D. W.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Morris, R.V.; Rice, J. W.; Schroder, C.; Sullivan, R.J.; Yen, A.; Yingst, R.A.
2009-01-01
The Mars rover Opportunity has explored Victoria crater, a ???750-meter eroded impact crater formed in sulfate-rich sedimentary rocks. Impact-related stratigraphy is preserved in the crater walls, and meteoritic debris is present near the crater rim. The size of hematite-rich concretions decreases up-section, documenting variation in the intensity of groundwater processes. Layering in the crater walls preserves evidence of ancient wind-blown dunes. Compositional variations with depth mimic those ???6 kilometers to the north and demonstrate that water-induced alteration at Meridiani Planum was regional in scope.
Exploration of Victoria crater by the Mars rover Opportunity.
Squyres, S W; Knoll, A H; Arvidson, R E; Ashley, J W; Bell, J F; Calvin, W M; Christensen, P R; Clark, B C; Cohen, B A; de Souza, P A; Edgar, L; Farrand, W H; Fleischer, I; Gellert, R; Golombek, M P; Grant, J; Grotzinger, J; Hayes, A; Herkenhoff, K E; Johnson, J R; Jolliff, B; Klingelhöfer, G; Knudson, A; Li, R; McCoy, T J; McLennan, S M; Ming, D W; Mittlefehldt, D W; Morris, R V; Rice, J W; Schröder, C; Sullivan, R J; Yen, A; Yingst, R A
2009-05-22
The Mars rover Opportunity has explored Victoria crater, an approximately 750-meter eroded impact crater formed in sulfate-rich sedimentary rocks. Impact-related stratigraphy is preserved in the crater walls, and meteoritic debris is present near the crater rim. The size of hematite-rich concretions decreases up-section, documenting variation in the intensity of groundwater processes. Layering in the crater walls preserves evidence of ancient wind-blown dunes. Compositional variations with depth mimic those approximately 6 kilometers to the north and demonstrate that water-induced alteration at Meridiani Planum was regional in scope.
The nature of the gravity anomalies associated with large young lunar craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dvorak, J.; Phillips, R. J.
1977-01-01
The negative Bouguer anomalies (i.e., mass deficiencies) associated with four young lunar craters are analyzed. Model calculations based on generalizations made from studies of terrestrial impact structures suggest that the major contribution to the Bouguer anomaly for these lunar craters is due to a lens of brecciated material confined within the present crater rim crest and extending vertically to at least a depth of one-third the crater rim diameter. Calculations also reveal a systematic variation in the magnitude of the mass deficiencies with the cube of the crater diameter.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Housen, Kevin R.; Sweet, William J.; Holsapple, Keith A.
2018-01-01
Many small bodies in the solar system have bulk density well below the solid density of the constituent mineral grains in their meteorite counterparts. Those low-density bodies undoubtedly have significant porosity, which is a key factor that affects the formation of impact craters. This paper summarizes the results of lab experiments in which materials with porosity ranging from 43% to 96% were impacted at ∼1800 m/s. The experiments were performed on a geotechnical centrifuge, in order to reproduce the lithostatic overburden stress and ejecta ballistics that occur in large-scale cratering events on asteroids or planetary satellites. Experiments performed at various accelerations, up to 514G, simulate the outcomes of impacts at size scales up to several tens of km in diameter. Our experiments show that an impact into a highly porous cohesionless material generates a large ovoid-shaped cavity, due to crushing by the outgoing shock. The cavity opens up to form a transient crater that grows until the material flow is arrested by gravity. The cavity then collapses to form the final crater. During collapse, finely crushed material that lines the cavity wall is carried down and collected in a localized region below the final crater floor. At large simulated sizes (high accelerations), most of the crater volume is formed by compaction, because growth of the transient crater is quickly arrested. Nearly all ejected material falls back into the crater, leaving the crater without an ejecta blanket. We find that such compaction cratering and suppression of the ejecta blankets occur for large craters on porous bodies when the ratio of the lithostatic stress at one crater depth to the crush strength of the target exceeds ∼0.005. The results are used to identify small solar system bodies on which compaction cratering likely occurs. A model is developed that gives the crater size and ejecta mass that would result for a specified impact into a porous object.
Robust System for Automated Identification of Martian Impact Craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stepinski, T. F.; Mendenhall, M. P.
2006-12-01
Detailed analysis of the number and morphology of impact craters on Mars provides the worth of information about the geologic history of its surface. Global catalogs of Martian craters have been compiled (for example, the Barlow catalog) but they are not comprehensive, especially for small craters. Existing methods for machine detection of craters from images suffer from low efficiency and are not practical for global surveys. We have developed a robust two-stage system for an automated cataloging of craters from digital topography data (DEM). In the first stage an innovative crater-finding transform is performed on a DEM to identify centers of potential craters, their extents, and their basic characteristics. This stage produces a preliminary catalog. In the second stage a machine learning methods are employed to eliminate false positives. Using the MOLA derived DEMs with resolution of 1/128 degrees/pixel, we have applied our system to six ~ 106 km2 sites. The system has identified 3217 craters, 43% more than are present in the Barlow catalog. The extra finds are predominantly small craters that are most difficult to account for in manual surveys. Because our automated survey is DEM-based, the resulting catalog lists craters' depths in addition to their positions, sizes, and measures of shape. This feature significantly increases the scientific utility of any catalog generated using our system. Our initial calculations yield a training set that will be used to identify craters over the entire Martian surface with estimated accuracy of 95%. Moreover, because our method is pixel-based and scale- independent, the present training set may be used to identify craters in higher resolution DEMs derived from Mars Express HRSC images. It also can be applied to future topography data from Mars and other planets. For example, it may be utilized to catalog craters on Mercury and the Moon using altimetry data to be gathered by Messenger and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecrafts.
2017-01-10
This small 2 kilometer-wide crater was sitting around, minding its own business when a meteoroid struck the ground just to the west and created a new, larger crater almost 10 kilometers in diameter (not pictured). The ejecta spraying out of the new crater landed back on the ground and then continued to flow away from the new crater, and the smaller crater was in the way of that muddy flow. You can see where much of the muddy material flowed around the crater's uplifted rim and forms a squiggly ridge, but you can also see where the mud flow slid over the rim and ponded down in the bottom of the crater. One question we don't know the answer to is: "how wet was the muddy ejecta?" Ongoing observations like this and laboratory-based experiments are trying to find the answer to that question. This image also illustrates a common theme in geology, namely, the law of superposition. Because the crater has been affected by ejecta from the larger crater to the west, the small crater had to be there first and then the second, larger crater and its ejecta had to form. This allows planetary geologists to decipher the relative ages of different landforms. Because a central goal of geology is to understand past events from present-day clues, geology is sometimes compared to forensic science. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA13181
Searching for the Source Crater of Nakhlite Meteorites.
Kereszturi, A; Chatzitheodoridis, E
2016-11-01
We surveyed the Martian surface in order to identify possible source craters of the nakhlite Martian meteorites. We investigated rayed craters that are assumed to be younger than 11 Ma, on lava surfaces with a solidification age around 1.2 Ga. An area of 17.3 million km 2 Amazonian lava plains was surveyed and 53 rayed craters were identified. Although most of them are smaller than the threshold limit that is estimated as minimum of launching fragments to possible Earth crossing trajectories, their observed size frequency distribution agrees with the expected areal density from cratering models characteristic for craters that are less than few tens of Ma old. We identified 6 craters larger than 3 km diameter constituting the potentially best source craters for nakhlites. These larger candidates are located mostly on a smooth lava surface, and in some cases, on the earlier fluvial-like channels. In three cases they are associated with fluidized ejecta lobes and rays - although the rays are faint in these craters, thus might be older than the other craters with more obvious rays. More work is therefore required to accurately estimate ages based on ray system for this purpose. A more detailed search should further link remote sensing Martian data with the in-situ laboratory analyses of Martian meteorites, especially in case of high altitude, steep terrains, where the crater rays seems to rarely survive several Ma.
Increased depth-diameter ratios in the Medusae Fossae Formation deposits of Mars
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barlow, N. G.
1993-01-01
Depth to diameter ratios for fresh impact craters on Mars are commonly cited as approximately 0.2 for simple craters and 0.1 for complex craters. Recent computation of depth-diameter ratios in the Amazonis-Memnonia region of Mars indicates that craters within the Medusae Fossae Formation deposits found in this region display greater depth-diameter ratios than expected for both simple and complex craters. Photoclinometric and shadow length techniques have been used to obtain depths of craters within the Amazonis-Memnonia region. The 37 craters in the 2 to 29 km diameter range and displaying fresh impact morphologies were identified in the area of study. This region includes the Amazonian aged upper and middle members of the Medusae Fossae Formation and Noachian aged cratered and hilly units. The Medusae Fossae Formation is characterized by extensive, flat to gently undulating deposits of controversial origin. These deposits appear to vary from friable to indurated. Early analysis of crater degradation in the Medusae Fossae region suggested that simple craters excavated to greater depths than expected based on the general depth-diameter relationships derived for Mars. However, too few craters were available in the initial analysis to estimate the actual depth-diameter ratios within this region. Although the analysis is continuing, we are now beginning to see a convergence towards specific values for the depth-diameter ratio depending on geologic unit.
A seismic refraction technique used for subsurface investigations at Meteor Crater, Arizona
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ackermann, H. D.; Godson, R. H.; Watkins, J. S.
1975-01-01
A seismic refraction technique for interpreting the subsurface shape and velocity distribution of an anomalous surface feature such as an impact crater is described. The method requires the existence of a relatively deep refracting horizon and combines data obtained from both standard shallow refraction spreads and distant offset shots by using the deep refractor as a source of initial arrivals. Results obtained from applying the technique to Meteor crater generally agree with the known structure of the crater deduced by other investigators and provide new data on an extensive fractured zone surrounding the crater. The breccia lens is computed to extend roughly 190 m below the crater floor, about 30 m less than the value deduced from early drilling data. Rocks around the crater are fractured as distant as 900 m from the rim crest and to a depth of at least 800 m beneath the crater floor.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Malin, M. C.; Dzurisin, D.
1977-01-01
Craters on Mercury, the moon, and Mars were classified into two groups, namely, fresh and degraded craters, on the basis of qualitative visual degradation as revealed by degree of rim crispness, terraced interior walls, slumping from crater walls, etc., and the depth/diameter relationship of craters was studied. Lunar and Mercurian crater populations indicate the existence of terrain-correlated degradational phenomena. The depth/diameter relations for Mercury and the moon display remarkably similar forms, suggesting similar degrees of landform degradation. Depth/diameter curves display a break in slope, dividing two distinct crater populations. Mars craters show few of the trends of those of Mercury and the moon. The depth/diameter curve has no definite break in slope, though there is considerable depth variation. The role of nonballistic degradation in connection with the early formation of large expanses of intercrater plains is discussed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bryan, W. B.
1976-01-01
Apollo 15 photographs of the southern parts of Serenitatis and Imbrium were used for a study of the morphology and distribution of wrinkle ridges. Volcanic and structural features along the south margin of Serenitatis were also studied, including the Dawes basalt cinder cones. Volcanic and structural features in crater Aitken were investigated as well. Study of crater Goclenius showed a close relationship between morphology of the impact crater and grabens which tend to parallel directions of the lunar grid. Similar trends were observed in the walls of crater Tsiolkovsky and other linear structures. Small craters of possible volcanic origin were also studied. Possible cinder cones were found associated with the Dawes basalt and in the floor of craters Aitken and Goclenius. Small pit craters were observed in the floors of these craters. Attempts were made to obtain contour maps of specific small features and to compare Orbiter and Apollo photographs to determine short term changes associated with other processes.
The excavation stage of basin formation - A qualitative model
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Croft, S. K.
1981-01-01
One of the most complex problems in planetary geology and geophysics is the determination of the nature of the impact cratering processes at scales of tens to thousands of kilometers that produce the complex morphological structures of multiring basins. The cratering process is frequently considered to be divided into three stages, including a short high-pressure stage of initial contact between the projectile and the planetary crust, a longer excavation or cratering flow stage culminating in the formation of a transient crater, and a still longer modification stage during which the transient crater is modified into the observed final geologic form. The transient crater may be considered as the initial boundary condition of the modification stage. In the present investigation, the nature of the transient crater is indicated by the cratering flow field determined from numerical simulations of the excavation stage. Attention is given to empirical and theoretical scaling.
Collisional and dynamical history of Gaspra
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greenberg, R.; Nolan, M. C.; Bottke, W. F., Jr.; Kolvoord, R. A.
1993-01-01
Interpretation of the impact record on Gaspra requires understanding of the effects of collisions on a target body of Gaspra's size and shape, recognition of impact features that may have different morphologies from craters on larger planets, and models of the geological processes that erase and modify impact features. Crater counts on the 140 sq km of Gaspra imaged at highest resolution by the Galileo spacecraft show a steep size-frequency distribution (cumulative power-law index near -3.5) from the smallest resolvable size (150 m diameter) up through the large feature (1.5 km diameter crater) of familiar crater-like morphology. In addition, there appear to be as many as eight roughly circular concavities with diameters greater than 3 km visible on the asteroid. If we restrict our crater counts to features with traditionally recognized crater morphologies, these concavities would not be included. However, if we define craters to include any concave structures that may represent local or regional damage at an impact size, then the larger features on Gaspra are candidates for consideration. Acceptance of the multi-km features as craters has been cautious for several reasons. First, scaling laws (the physically plausible algorithms for extrapolating from experimental data) indicate that Gaspra could not have sustained such large-crater-forming impacts without being disrupted; second, aside from concavity, the larger structures have no other features (e.g. rims) that can be identified with known impact craters; and third, extrapolation of the power-law size distribution for smaller craters predicts no craters larger than 3 km over the entire surface. On the other hand, recent hydrocode modeling of impacts shows that for given impact (albeit into a sphere), the crater size is much larger than given by scaling laws. Gaspra-size bodies can sustain formation of up to 8-km craters without disruption. Besides allowing larger impact craters, this result doubles the lifetime since the last catastrophic fragmentation event up to one billion years. Events that create multi-km craters also globally damage the material structure, such that regolith is produced, whether or not Gaspra 'initially' had a regolith, contrary to other models in which initial regolith is required in order to allow current regolith. Because the globally destructive shock wave precedes basin formation, crater size is closer to the large size extrapolated from gravity-scaling rather than the strength-scaling that had earlier been assumed for such small bodies. This mechanism may also help explain the existence of Stickney on Phobos. Moreover, rejection of the large concavities as craters based on unfamiliar morphology would be premature, because (aside from Stickney) we have no other data on such large impact structures on such a small, irregular body. The eight candidate concavities cover an area greater than that counted for smaller craters, because they are most apparent where small craters cannot be seen: on low resolution images and at the limb on high resolution images. We estimate that there are at least two with diameter greater than 4 km per 140 sq km, which would have to be accounted for in any model that claims these are impact craters.
2018-04-17
Bonestell Crater is a relatively young crater located in Acidalia Planitia. The grooved surface of the ejecta blanket is evident in this VIS image. Dust blown into the crater and the downslope movement of fine materials from the rim are slowly modifying the crater features. Orbit Number: 71230 Latitude: 36.398 Longitude: 329.708 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2018-01-04 05:31 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22371
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Karachevtseva, I. P.; Oberst, J.; Zubarev, A. E.; Nadezhdina, I. E.; Kokhanov, A. A.; Garov, A. S.; Uchaev, D. V.; Uchaev, Dm. V.; Malinnikov, V. A.; Klimkin, N. D.
2014-11-01
We have developed a Geo-information system (GIS) for Phobos, based on data from the Mars Express and Viking Orbiter missions, which includes orthoimages, global maps, terrain- and gravity field models, all referenced to the Phobos coordinate system. The data are conveniently stored in the ArcGIS software system, which provides an environment for mapping and which allows us to carry out joint data analysis and miscellaneous data cross-comparisons. We have compiled catalogs of Phobos craters using manual and automated techniques, which includes about 5500 and 6400 craters correspondingly. While crater numbers are biased by available image data resolution and illumination, we estimate that our catalog of manually detected craters contains all Phobos craters with diameters D>250 m which is a total of 1072 and catalog of automated detected craters are complete for craters D>400 m (360 craters). Statistical analysis of these large craters reveals a surplus of craters on the anti-Mars hemisphere, whereas differences in crater abundance between leading and trailing hemisphere cannot be confirmed. This in contrast to previous papers, where no such asymmetry was found (Schmedemann et al., 2014). But we cannot rule out remaining biases due to resolution, viewing angles or illumination effects. Using digital terrain model (DTM) derived from photogrammetry image processing we estimate depths of 25 craters larger than 2 km using geometric and dynamic heights (for discussion of Phobos crater morphometry see Kokhanov et al., 2014). We also have compiled catalogs of lineaments, and boulders. In particular, we mapped 546 individual grooves or crater chains, which extend in length from 0.3 km to 16.2 km. We identified and determined the sizes and locations of 1379 boulders near crater Stickney. Cross-comparisons of gravity field models against distribution patterns of grooves and boulders are currently under way and may shed light on their possible origins. Finally, we have developed a Geo-portal, which allows the science community to conveniently search for, analyze, and download data of interest from our system. Additionally we provide access to color electronic maps (e-maps) with support for layers based on Phobos geodatabase and ArcGIS tools.
Viscous relaxation of Ganymede's impact craters: Constraints on heat flux
Bland, Michael T.; Singer, Kelsi N.; McKinnon, William B.; Schenk, Paul M.
2017-01-01
Measurement of crater depths in Ganymede’s dark terrain have revealed substantial numbers of unusually shallow craters indicative of viscous relaxation [see companion paper: Singer, K.N., Schenk, P. M., Bland, M.T., McKinnon, W.B., (2017). Relaxed impact craters on Ganymede: Regional variations and high heat flow. Icarus, submitted]. These viscously relaxed craters provide insight into the thermal history of the dark terrain: the rate of relaxation depends on the size of the crater and the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Here we use finite element simulations of crater relaxation to constrain the heat flux within the dark terrain when relaxation occurred. We show that the degree of viscous relaxation observed cannot be achieved through radiogenic heating alone, even if all of the relaxed craters are ancient and experienced the high radiogenic fluxes present early in the satellite’s history. For craters with diameter ≥ 10 km, heat fluxes of 40–50 mW m-2−2"> can reproduce the observed crater depths, but only if the fluxes are sustained for ∼1 Gyr. These craters can also be explained by shorter-lived “heat pulses” with magnitudes of ∼100 mW m-2−2"> and timescales of 10–100 Myr. At small crater diameters (4 km) the observed shallow depths are difficult to achieve even when heat fluxes as high as 150 mW m-2−2"> are sustained for 1 Gyr. The extreme thermal conditions required to viscously relax small craters may indicate that mechanisms other than viscous relaxation, such as topographic degradation, are also in play at small crater diameters. The timing of the relaxation event(s) is poorly constrained due to the sparsity of adequate topographic information, though it likely occurred in Ganymede’s middle history (neither recently, nor shortly after satellite formation). The consistency between the timing and magnitude of the heat fluxes derived here and those inferred from other tectonic features suggests that a single event caused both Ganymede’s tectonic deformation and its crater relaxation. Future observations should permit more robust determination of the relative timing of the heating event that caused viscous relaxation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Matsumoto, Toru; Hasegawa, S.; Nakao, S.; Sakai, M.; Yurimoto, H.
2018-03-01
We investigated impact crater structures on regolith particles from asteroid Itokawa using scanning electron microscopy. We observed the surfaces of 51 Itokawa particles, ranging from 15 μm to 240 μm in size. Craters with average diameters ranging from 10 nm to 2.8 μm were identified on 13 Itokawa particles larger than 80 μm. We examined the abundance, spatial distribution, and morphology of approximately 900 craters on six Itokawa particles. Craters with sizes in excess of 200 nm are widely dispersed, with spatial densities from 2.6 μm2 to 4.5 μm2; a fraction of the craters was locally concentrated with a density of 0.1 μm2. The fractal dimension of the cumulative crater diameters ranges from 1.3 to 2.3. Craters of several tens of nanometers in diameter exhibit pit and surrounding rim structures. Craters of more than 100 nm in diameter commonly have melted residue at their bottom. These morphologies are similar to those of submicrometer-sized craters on lunar regolith. We estimated the impactor flux on Itokawa regolith-forming craters, assuming that the craters were accumulated during direct exposure to the space environment for 102 to 104 yr. The range of impactor flux onto Itokawa particles is estimated to be at least one order of magnitude higher than the interplanetary dust flux and comparable to the secondary impact flux on the Moon. This indicates that secondary ejecta impacts are probably the dominant cratering process in the submicrometer range on Itokawa regolith particles, as well as on the lunar surface. We demonstrate that secondary submicrometer craters can be produced anywhere in centimeter- to meter-sized depressions on Itokawa's surface through primary interplanetary dust impacts. If the surface unevenness on centimeter to meter scales is a significant factor determining the abundance of submicrometer secondary cratering, the secondary impact flux could be independent of the overall shapes or sizes of celestial bodies, and the secondary impact flux could have similar values on Itokawa and the Moon.
Middle Ordovician Astrobleme at Kardla, Hiiumaa Island West Estonian Archipelago
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Puura, V.; Suuroja, K.
1992-07-01
The subsurface structure of the buried crater (4 km in diameter) at Kardla town has been studied by means of gravimetry and magnetometry and by drilling more than 300 boreholes in the crater and its surroundings (Puura and Suuroja, 1992). The deepest borehole, reaching 815 m, has revealed that the crater is 420 m deep and has a central peak up to 100 m high. Barely visible in the present-day topography, the crater proper is filled with Palaeozoic and Quaternary deposits and represents mostly low marshy land surrounded in places by a low ridge along the ring wall. In the buried sub-Quaternary bedrock relief, the crater proper occurs as a roundish depression bordered with two 10-30-m high horseshoe-shaped elevations above the buried ring wall. The crater was developed 455 Ma on the bottom of a shallow shelf sea in a composite target consisting of Middle and Lower Ordovician (20 m) and Cambrian (20 m) sedimentary rocks and underlying Precambrian rocks. In the subsurface structure of the crater site quite well preserved elements have been distinguished: in vertical section from the top--a) normally an approximately 100-m-thick cover of Ordovician sedimentary rocks hiding all the elements of the crater, b) strata of different kinds of allochthonous breccias filling the lower part of the crater proper and beds of fall-out breccias and conglomerates, sandstones and sandy limestones consisting of debris of reworked (in marine environments) fall-out breccia, and ring-wall rocks occurring in surroundings of the crater, and c) a body of autochthonous and subautochthonous breccias forming the bottom and the central peak of the crater and also remnants of its rim. Shocked rocks and minerals from autochthonous and allochthonous breccias have been revealed by light microscopy and by studies of fluid inclusions. Among the early Palaeozoic impact structures, Kardla crater is one of the best preserved. According to the recent biostratigraphical data, the Kardla crater is coeval to Tvaren and Lockne craters in central Sweden. The common origin of the three craters--a Middle Ordovician asteroid swarm--has been proposed (Lindstrom et al., 1992).
Viscous relaxation of Ganymede's impact craters: Constraints on heat flux
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bland, Michael T.; Singer, Kelsi N.; McKinnon, William B.; Schenk, Paul M.
2017-11-01
Measurement of crater depths in Ganymede's dark terrain have revealed substantial numbers of unusually shallow craters indicative of viscous relaxation [see companion paper: Singer, K.N., Schenk, P. M., Bland, M.T., McKinnon, W.B., (2017). Relaxed impact craters on Ganymede: Regional variations and high heat flow. Icarus, submitted]. These viscously relaxed craters provide insight into the thermal history of the dark terrain: the rate of relaxation depends on the size of the crater and the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Here we use finite element simulations of crater relaxation to constrain the heat flux within the dark terrain when relaxation occurred. We show that the degree of viscous relaxation observed cannot be achieved through radiogenic heating alone, even if all of the relaxed craters are ancient and experienced the high radiogenic fluxes present early in the satellite's history. For craters with diameter ≥ 10 km, heat fluxes of 40-50 mW m-2 can reproduce the observed crater depths, but only if the fluxes are sustained for ∼1 Gyr. These craters can also be explained by shorter-lived "heat pulses" with magnitudes of ∼100 mW m-2 and timescales of 10-100 Myr. At small crater diameters (4 km) the observed shallow depths are difficult to achieve even when heat fluxes as high as 150 mW m-2 are sustained for 1 Gyr. The extreme thermal conditions required to viscously relax small craters may indicate that mechanisms other than viscous relaxation, such as topographic degradation, are also in play at small crater diameters. The timing of the relaxation event(s) is poorly constrained due to the sparsity of adequate topographic information, though it likely occurred in Ganymede's middle history (neither recently, nor shortly after satellite formation). The consistency between the timing and magnitude of the heat fluxes derived here and those inferred from other tectonic features suggests that a single event caused both Ganymede's tectonic deformation and its crater relaxation. Future observations should permit more robust determination of the relative timing of the heating event that caused viscous relaxation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hiesinger, H.; Pasckert, J. H.; Williams, D. A.; Crown, D. A.; Mest, S. C.; Buczkowski, D.; Schenk, P.; Scully, J. E. C.; Jaumann, R.; Roatsch, T.; Preusker, F.; Platz, T.; Nathues, A.; Hoffmann, M.; Marchi, S.; De Sanctis, M. C.; Russell, C. T.; Raymond, C. A.
2015-12-01
To better understand the geologic history of dwarf planet Ceres, the surface has been divided into 15 quadrangles that are systematically mapped on the basis of images obtained by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which began orbiting Ceres in April 2015. We will report on preliminary mapping results for the Ac-H-2 Coniraya Quadrangle based on Framing Camera (FC) mosaics from the Dawn Approach (1.3 km/px) and Survey (415 m/px) orbits. This quadrangle is located between 21-66°N and 0-90°E and is dominated by mostly highly degraded impact craters of diameters between 50 and 200 km and clusters of small- to midsize impact craters. Color data show that this quadrangle is generally darker than most regions of the southern hemisphere. Two prominent impact craters in this quadrangle have been named Coniraya and Gaue crater, respectively. Coniraya is the largest more or less intact impact crater with a diameter of 136 km, centered at 65.8°N/40.5°E. It appears shallow and its crater rim is heavily degraded but still continuous. At the current image resolution, textural differences between the interior and exterior of the crater are not visible. With a diameter of 84 km, Gaue crater appears to be the freshest large impact crater in this quadrangle. It is located at the eastern border of the Coniraya Quadrangle with a small central peak at 30°N/85.7°E. The crater rim is quite sharp and the ejecta blanket can be traced around the crater to a distance of ~200km from the crater center. Most of the crater floor around the central peak is covered by a smooth uniform unit with a lower impact crater population than the surrounding surfaces. Color data show that this smooth unit is darker than the surrounding surfaces. A similar unit can be found on the floor of a complex cluster of 10-56 km diameter craters at 32°N/40°E. With upcoming higher resolution data we will refine our geologic map and will specifically investigate possible formation processes of these smooth units.
Machine cataloging of impact craters on Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stepinski, Tomasz F.; Mendenhall, Michael P.; Bue, Brian D.
2009-09-01
This study presents an automated system for cataloging impact craters using the MOLA 128 pixels/degree digital elevation model of Mars. Craters are detected by a two-step algorithm that first identifies round and symmetric topographic depressions as crater candidates and then selects craters using a machine-learning technique. The system is robust with respect to surface types; craters are identified with similar accuracy from all different types of martian surfaces without adjusting input parameters. By using a large training set in its final selection step, the system produces virtually no false detections. Finally, the system provides a seamless integration of crater detection with its characterization. Of particular interest is the ability of our algorithm to calculate crater depths. The system is described and its application is demonstrated on eight large sites representing all major types of martian surfaces. An evaluation of its performance and prospects for its utilization for global surveys are given by means of detailed comparison of obtained results to the manually-derived Catalog of Large Martian Impact Craters. We use the results from the test sites to construct local depth-diameter relationships based on a large number of craters. In general, obtained relationships are in agreement with what was inferred on the basis of manual measurements. However, we have found that, in Terra Cimmeria, the depth/diameter ratio has an abrupt decrease at ˜38°S regardless of crater size. If shallowing of craters is attributed to presence of sub-surface ice, a sudden change in its spatial distribution is suggested by our findings.
Numerical Simulations of Silverpit Crater Collapse
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Collins, G. S.; Ivanov, B. A.; Turtle, E. P.; Melosh, H. J.
2003-01-01
The Silverpit crater is a recently discovered, 60-65 Myr old complex crater, which lies buried beneath the North Sea, about 150 km east of Britain. High-resolution images of Silverpit's subsurface structure, provided by three-dimensional seismic reflection data, reveal an inner-crater morphology similar to that expected for a 5-8 km diameter terrestrial crater. The crater walls show evidence of terrace-style slumping and there is a distinct central uplift, which may have produced a central peak in the pristine crater morphology. However, Silverpit is not a typical 5-km diameter terrestrial crater, because it exhibits multiple, concentric rings outside the main cavity. External concentric rings are normally associated with much larger impact structures, for example Chicxulub on Earth, or Orientale on the Moon. Furthermore, external rings associated with large impacts on the terrestrial planets and moons are widely-spaced, predominantly inwardly-facing, asymmetric scarps. However, the seismic data show that the external rings at Silverpit represent closely-spaced, concentric faultbound graben, with both inwardly and outwardly facing fault-scarps. This type of multi-ring structure directly analogous to the Valhalla-type multi-ring basins found on the icy satellites. Thus, the presence and style of the multiple rings at Silverpit is surprising given both the size of the crater and its planetary setting. A further curiosity of the Silverpit structure is that the external concentric rings appear to be extensional features on the West side of the crater and compressional features on the East side. The crater also lies in a local depression, thought to be created by postimpact movement of a salt layer buried beneath the crater.
Well-Preserved Impact Ejecta and Impact Melt-Rich Deposits in Terra Sabaea
2017-01-12
This image of a well-preserved unnamed elliptical crater in Terra Sabaea, is illustrative of the complexity of ejecta deposits forming as a by-product of the impact process that shapes much of the surface of Mars. Here we see a portion of the western ejecta deposits emanating from a 10-kilometer impact crater that occurs within the wall of a larger, 60-kilometer-wide crater. In the central part is a lobe-shaped portion of the ejecta blanket from the smaller crater. The crater is elliptical not because of an angled (oblique) impact, but because it occurred on the steep slopes of the wall of a larger crater. This caused it to be truncated along the slope and elongated perpendicular to the slope. As a result, any impact melt from the smaller crater would have preferentially deposited down slope and towards the floor of the larger crater (towards the west). Within this deposit, we can see fine-scale morphological features in the form of a dense network of small ridges and pits. These crater-related pitted materials are consistent with volatile-rich impact melt-bearing deposits seen in some of the best-preserved craters on Mars (e.g., Zumba, Zunil, etc.). These deposits formed immediately after the impact event, and their discernible presence relate to the preservation state of the crater. This image is an attempt to visualize the complex formation and emplacement history of these enigmatic deposits formed by this elliptical crater and to understand its degradation history. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA13078
The nature of crater rays - The Copernicus example
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pieters, C. M.; Adams, J. B.; Smith, M. O.; Mouginis-Mark, P. J.; Zisk, S. H.
1985-01-01
It is pointed out that crater rays are filamentous, generally high-albedo features which emanate nearly radially from young impact structures. An investigation has been conducted of the physical and chemical properties of a single lunar ray system for Copernicus crater with the objective to achieve a better understanding of the nature of crater rays, taking into account questions regarding the local or foreign origin of ray material. A combination of data is considered, giving attention to spectral reflectance (for composition), radar (for physical properties), and images (for photogeologic context). The crater Copernicus was selected because of its well-developed ray system, the crater's relative youth, and the compositional contrast between the target material of Copernicus crater and the material on which many rays were emplaced.
Relative crater production rates on planets
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hartmann, W. K.
1977-01-01
The relative numbers of impacts on different planets, estimated from the dynamical histories of planetesimals in specified orbits (Wetherill, 1975), are converted by a described procedure to crater production rates. Conversions are dependent on impact velocity and surface gravity. Crater retention ages can then be derived from the ratio of the crater density to the crater production rate. The data indicate that the terrestrial planets have crater production rates within a factor ten of each other. As an example, for the case of Mars, least-squares fits to crater-count data suggest an average age of 0.3 to 3 billion years for two types of channels. The age of Olympus Mons is discussed, and the effect of Tharsis volcanism on channel formation is considered.
2012-05-10
This graphic shows the global distribution of craters that hit the giant asteroid Vesta, based on data from NASA Dawn mission. The yellow circles indicate craters of 2 miles or wider, with the size of the circles indicating the size of the crater.
Vesta Cratered Landscape: Double Crater and Craters with Bright Ejecta
2011-11-23
This image from NASA Dawn spacecraft is dominated by a double crater which may have been formed by the simultaneous impact of a binary asteroid. Binary asteroids are asteroids that orbit their mutual center of mass.
Dark Material Associated with and between Craters
2011-11-18
This image from NASA Dawn spacecraft shows areas of dark material which are both associated with impact craters and between these craters on asteroid Vesta. Dark material is seen cropping out of the rims and sides of the larger craters.
Small Crater Populations on Mars: Studies of MOC Images
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Plaut, J. J.
2000-01-01
Populations of small martian craters can now be studied using MOC images. The smallest craters record aspects of the crater production and resurfacing history that could not be observed previously. Examples from a number of terrains are shown.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kereszturi, Akos; Steinmann, Vilmos
2017-11-01
Analysing the size-frequency distribution of very small lunar craters (sized below 100 m including ones below 10 m) using LROC images, spatial density and related age estimations were calculated for mare and terra terrains. Altogether 1.55 km2 area was surveyed composed of 0.1-0.2 km2 units, counting 2784 craters. The maximal areal density was present at the 4-8 m diameter range at every analysed terrain suggesting the bombardment is areally relatively homogeneous. Analysing the similarities and differences between various areas, the mare terrains look about two times older than the terra terrains using <100 m diameter craters. The calculated ages ranged between 13 and 20 Ma for mare, 4-6 Ma for terra terrains. Substantial fluctuation (min: 936 craters/km2, max: 2495 craters/km2) was observed without obvious source of nearby secondaries or fresh ejecta blanket produced fresh crater. Randomness analysis and visual inspection also suggested no secondary craters or ejecta blanket from fresh impact could contribute substantially in the observed heterogeneity of the areal distribution of small craters - thus distant secondaries or even other, poorly known resurfacing processes should be considered in the future. The difference between the terra/mare ages might come only partly from the easier identification of small craters on smooth mare terrains, as the differences were observed for larger (30-60 m diameter) craters too. Difference in the target hardness could more contribute in this effect. It was possible to separate two groups of small craters based on their appearance: a rimmed thus less eroded, and a rimless thus more eroded one. As the separate usage of different morphology groups of craters for age estimation at the same area is not justifiable, this was used only for comparison. The SFD curves of these two groups showed characteristic differences: the steepness of the fresh craters' SFD curves are similar to each other and were larger than the isochrones. The eroded craters' SFD curves also resemble to each other, which are less steep than the isochrones. These observations confirm the expectation that as the time passes by, rims are erased and depressions became shallower, presenting such observations for the first time in this small crater size range.
The Mechanics of Peak-Ring Impact Crater Formation from the IODP-ICDP Expedition 364
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Melosh, H.; Collins, G. S.; Morgan, J. V.; Gulick, S. P. S.
2017-12-01
The Chicxulub impact crater is one of very few peak-ring impact craters on Earth. While small (less than 3 km on Earth) impact craters are typically bowl-shaped, larger craters exhibit central peaks, which in still larger (more than about 100 km on Earth) craters expand into mountainous rings with diameters close to half that of the crater rim. The origin of these peak rings has been contentious: Such craters are far too large to create in laboratory experiments and remote sensing of extraterrestrial examples has not clarified the mechanics of their formation. Two principal models of peak ring formation are currently in vogue, the "nested crater" model, in which the peak ring originates at shallow depths in the target, and the "dynamic collapse" model in which the peak ring is uplifted at the base of a collapsing, over-steepened central peak and its rocks originate at mid-crustal depths. IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 sought to elucidate, among other important goals, the mechanics of peak ring formation in the young (66 Myr), fresh, but completely buried Chicxulub impact crater. The cores from this borehole now show unambiguously that the rocks in the Chicxulub peak ring originated at mid-crustal depths, apparently ruling out the nested crater model. These rocks were shocked to pressures on the order of 10-35 GPa and were so shattered that their densities and seismic velocities now resemble those of sedimentary rocks. The morphology of the final crater, its structure as revealed in previous seismic imaging, and the results from the cores are completely consistent with modern numerical models of impact crater excavation and collapse that incorporate a model for post-impact weakening. Subsequent to the opening of a ca. 100 km diameter and 30 km deep transient crater, this enormous hole in the crust collapsed over a period of about 10 minutes. Collapse was enabled by movement of the underlying rocks, which briefly behaved in the manner of a high-viscosity fluid, a brittle deformation state described by the process of "acoustic" fluidization initiated by strong elastic vibrations accompanying the opening and collapse of the crater. The shattered core, cut by both melt rock and clastic dikes, is consistent with the block model of acoustic fluidization supporting its application to crater collapse both on the Earth and on other planets.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sapp, Clyde A.; See, Thomas H.; Zolensky, Michael E.
1992-01-01
During the 3 month deintegration of the LDEF, the M&D SIG generated approximately 5000 digital color stereo image pairs of impact related features from all space exposed surfaces. Currently, these images are being processed at JSC to yield more accurate feature information. Work is currently underway to determine the minimum number of data points necessary to parametrically define impact crater morphologies in order to minimize the man-hour intensive task of tie point selection. Initial attempts at deriving accurate crater depth and diameter measurements from binocular imagery were based on the assumption that the crater geometries were best defined by paraboloid. We made no assumptions regarding the crater depth/diameter ratios but instead allowed each crater to define its own coefficients by performing a least-squares fit based on user-selected tiepoints. Initial test cases resulted in larger errors than desired, so it was decided to test our basic assumptions that the crater geometries could be parametrically defined as paraboloids. The method for testing this assumption was to carefully slice test craters (experimentally produced in an appropriate aluminum alloy) vertically through the center resulting in a readily visible cross-section of the crater geometry. Initially, five separate craters were cross-sectioned in this fashion. A digital image of each cross-section was then created, and the 2-D crater geometry was then hand-digitized to create a table of XY position for each crater. A 2nd order polynomial (parabolic) was fitted to the data using a least-squares approach. The differences between the fit equation and the actual data were fairly significant, and easily large enough to account for the errors found in the 3-D fits. The differences between the curve fit and the actual data were consistent between the caters. This consistency suggested that the differences were due to the fact that a parabola did not sufficiently define the generic crater geometry. Fourth and 6th order equations were then fitted to each crater cross-section, and significantly better estimates of the crater geometry were obtained with each fit. Work is presently underway to determine the best way to make use of this new parametric crater definition.
Experimental impact crater morphology
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dufresne, A.; Poelchau, M. H.; Hoerth, T.; Schaefer, F.; Thoma, K.; Deutsch, A.; Kenkmann, T.
2012-04-01
The research group MEMIN (Multidisciplinary Experimental and Impact Modelling Research Network) is conducting impact experiments into porous sandstones, examining, among other parameters, the influence of target pore-space saturation with water, and projectile velocity, density and mass, on the cratering process. The high-velocity (2.5-7.8 km/s) impact experiments were carried out at the two-stage light-gas gun facilities of the Fraunhofer Institute EMI (Germany) using steel, iron meteorite (Campo del Cielo IAB), and aluminium projectiles with Seeberg Sandstone as targets. The primary objectives of this study within MEMIN are to provide detailed morphometric data of the experimental craters, and to identify trends and characteristics specific to a given impact parameter. Generally, all craters, regardless of impact conditions, have an inner depression within a highly fragile, white-coloured centre, an outer spallation (i.e. tensile failure) zone, and areas of arrested spallation (i.e. spall fragments that were not completely dislodged from the target) at the crater rim. Within this general morphological framework, distinct trends and differences in crater dimensions and morphological characteristics are identified. With increasing impact velocity, the volume of craters in dry targets increases by a factor of ~4 when doubling velocity. At identical impact conditions (steel projectiles, ~5km/s), craters in dry and wet sandstone targets differ significantly in that "wet" craters are up to 76% larger in volume, have depth-diameter ratios generally below 0.19 (whereas dry craters are almost consistently above this value) at significantly larger diameters, and their spallation zone morphologies show very different characteristics. In dry craters, the spall zone surfaces dip evenly at 10-20° towards the crater centre. In wet craters, on the other hand, they consist of slightly convex slopes of 10-35° adjacent to the inner depression, and of sub-horizontal tensile failure planes ("terraces") in the outer, near-surface region of the crater. We suggest that these differences are due to a reduction in tensile strength in pore-space saturated sandstone. Linking morphological characteristics to impact conditions might provide a tool to help reconstruct impact conditions in small, more strength- than gravity-dominated impact craters in nature. Findings in small-scale experiments can aid the identification of particular structures in the field, such as spallation induced uplift of strata outside of the crater margins.
Preliminary Examination of Impact Craters on Al Foil from the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stroud, R.; Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination Team; 29,000 Stardust@home Dusters
2011-12-01
The Interstellar Dust Collector from the NASA Stardust mission provides an unprecedented opportunity for direct laboratory study of particles from the contemporary interstellar dust (ISD) stream in order to obtain such information as grain composition and microstructure. The collector is comprised of two collection media: silica aerogel tiles and Al foil strips. Preliminary examination (PE) of particles captured in each medium is on-going. To-date, four grains analyzed in situ in aerogel with synchrotron X-ray techniques show track trajectories and elemental composition that indicate a probable interstellar origin. In addition, we report here the discovery of one crater on an Al foil for which the residue elemental composition and crater shape are consistent with the impact of a grain of interstellar origin, although an interplanetary origin has not been ruled out. Automated mapping by SEM is the primary tool for identifi-cation of craters on the Al foils. A complete map of each foil requires collection of several thousand images at a resolution of ~ 50 nm/px. Automated software has been developed to identify crater candidates, but so far it has not replaced manual efforts. Identified candidates are then re-imaged at ~ 15 nm/px, for confirmation as impact craters. Fifteen foils have been imaged; crater identification is complete for eight, yielding 32 craters. The average areal density of craters is 9.7 cm-2, which extrapolates to ~1500 craters on the total foil collection area. Initial elemental analysis of residues in six craters has been performed with a combination of Auger spectroscopy, conventional, off-axis energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), on-axis, silicon drift-detector EDX. Additional analysis by TEM of the residue composition and crater morphology was obtained on FIB cross-sections of four of the craters. All craters contained detectable levels of Si and O. One crater was found to contain Mg, Si, O, Fe, Ni, S, Ca and Cr, indicative of an interstellar or interplanetary origin. The shape of this crater is consistent with the impact of a fluffy aggregate grain at < 10 km/s, similar to three of the four ISD candidates identified in the aerogel, and slower than expected for an interplanetary dust grain. In three cases the impacting grain was determined by detection of additional Ce, Zn, Ti, K, or Na to be a fragment of the solar cell cover glass.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Murali, A. V.; Lulla, Kamlesh P.
1992-01-01
Ramgarh Crater, Rajasthan, India is a potential impact crater that has not been studied so far. The proximity of Ramgarh Crater to the Deccan flood basalt terrain makes it important to examine the spatial and temporal relationship of this crater to Deccan Volcanism because recent studies propose a strong link between impact cratering and major flood basalt eruptions. A detailed multidisciplinary study is necessary to evaluate the structure and lithology of Ramgarh Crater and its temporal relationship to the emplacement of Deccan eruptions in India. Application of the IRS-IA data to study the lithologic/surface characteristics of Ramgarh Crater (attempted for the first time) indicates the potential application of remote sensing data in these studies. The IRS-IA data are of good quality and resolution. Our preliminary assessment has shown that these data are helpful in generating lithology soil vegetation profiles of Ramgarh Crater region. These 'profile maps' would be useful for targeting the specific areas in the region for a closer look and ground truth verification during the field work and sample collection in the region.
Distant Secondary Craters and Age Constraints on Young Martian Terrains
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McEwen, A.; Preblich, B.; Turtle, E.; Studer, D.; Artemieva, N.; Golombek, M.; Hurst, M.; Kirk, R.; Burr, D.
2005-01-01
Are small (less than approx. 1 km diameter) craters on Mars and the Moon dominated by primary impacts, by secondary impacts of much larger primary craters, or are both primaries and secondaries significant? This question is critical to age constraints for young terrains and for older terrains covering small areas, where only small craters are superimposed on the unit. If the martian rayed crater Zunil is representative of large impact events on Mars, then the density of secondaries should exceed the density of primaries at diameters a factor of 1000 smaller than that of the largest contributing primary crater. On the basis of morphology and depth/diameter measurements, most small craters on Mars could be secondaries. Two additional observations (discussed below) suggest that the production functions of Hartmann and Neukum predict too many primary craters smaller than a few hundred meters in diameter. Fewer small, high-velocity impacts may explain why there appears to be little impact regolith over Amazonian terrains. Martian terrains dated by small craters could be older than reported in recent publications.
The geomorphology of Rhea - Implications for geologic history and surface processes
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Moore, J. M.; Horner, V. M.; Greeley, R.
1985-01-01
Morphological analyses of landforms on Rhea are used to define three physiographic provinces: cratered terrain 1 undifferentiated; cratered terrain 1 lineated; and cratered terrain 2. The important statigraphic relationships between the different provinces are examined with respect to major impact basins and tectonic features. It is shown that the formation of multiringed basins may have caused, or at least controlled the locations of major resurfacing and mantling events. The diameters of the central peaks relative to the impact crater diameters are found to be significantly larger than those within the craters of the moon or Mercury. Both cratered and noncrater lineaments have regional orientations which do not fit current global or regional stress models. On the basis of the morphological analysis, a chronological order is established for the origin of the three provinces: the cratered terrain 1 province was formed first; and cratered terrain 1 lineated and cratered terrain 2 were formed second, and last, respectively. It is shown that the chronological order is generally consistent with current theoretical models of the evolution of Rhea.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
This overview of 'Endurance Crater' traces the path of the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity from sol 94 (April 29, 2004) to sol 205 (August 21, 2004). The route charted to enter the crater was a bit circuitous, but well worth the extra care engineers took to ensure the rover's safety. On sol 94, Opportunity sat on the edge of this impressive, football field-sized crater while rover team members assessed the scene. After traversing around the 'Karatepe' region and past 'Burns Cliff,' the rover engineering team assessed the possibility of entering the crater. Careful analysis of the angles Opportunity would face, including testing an Earth-bound model on simulated martian terrain, led the team to decide against entering the crater at that particular place. Opportunity then backed up before finally dipping into the crater on its 130th sol (June 5, 2004). The rover has since made its way down the crater's inner slope, grinding, trenching and examining fascinating rocks and soil targets along the way. The rover nearly made it to the intriguing dunes at the bottom of the crater, but when it got close, the terrain did not look safe enough to cross.Investigation of the depth and diameter relationship of subkilometer-diameter lunar craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sun, Shujuan; Yue, Zongyu; Di, Kaichang
2018-07-01
The depth and diameter relationship is one of the most important characteristics of craters; however, previous studies have focused mostly on large-diameter craters because of the limitations of image resolution. Recently, very high resolution images have been obtained that make it possible to expand this field of study to craters with diameters of < 1 km. Using images with resolution of up to 0.5 m, acquired by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, we investigated the depth and diameter relationship of fresh craters with subkilometer diameters. We selected craters from lunar maria and highlands, and we made precise measurements of their diameters and depths. The results show that the d/D ratio of small craters in the lunar maria and highlands, which varies from ∼0.2 to ∼0.1, is generally shallower than that of larger craters. We propose that the reason for the difference is because of the low strength of the lunar surface material. The fitted power law parameters of lunar mare and highland craters were found to be different, and that might be explained by terrain-related differences.
Martian crater counts on Elysium Mons
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mcbride, Kathleen; Barlow, Nadine G.
1990-01-01
Without returned samples from the Martian surface, relative age chronologies and stratigraphic relationships provide the best information for determining the ages of geomorphic features and surface regions. Crater-size frequency distributions of six recently mapped geological units of Elysium Mons were measured to establish their relative ages. Most of the craters on Elysium Mons and the adjacent plains units are between 500 and 1000 meters in diameter. However, only craters 1 km in diameter or larger were used because of inadequate spatial resolution of some of the Viking images and to reduce probability of counting secondary craters. The six geologic units include all of the Elysium Mons construct and a portion of the plains units west of the volcano. The surface area of the units studied is approximately 128,000 sq km. Four of the geologic units were used to create crater distribution curves. There are no craters larger than 1 km within the Elysium Mons caldera. Craters that lacked raised rims, were irregularly shaped, or were arranged in a linear pattern were assumed to be endogenic in origin and not counted. A crater frequency distribution analysis is presented.
Fluvial erosion as a mechanism for crater modification on Titan
Neish, Catherine D.; Molaro, J. L.; Lora, J. M.; Howard, A.D.; Kirk, Randolph L.; Schenk, P.; Bray, V.J.; Lorenz, R.D.
2016-01-01
There are few identifiable impact craters on Titan, especially in the polar regions. One explanation for this observation is that the craters are being destroyed through fluvial processes, such as weathering, mass wasting, fluvial incision and deposition. In this work, we use a landscape evolution model to determine whether or not this is a viable mechanism for crater destruction on Titan. We find that fluvial degradation can modify craters to the point where they would be unrecognizable by an orbiting spacecraft such as Cassini, given enough time and a large enough erosion rate. A difference in the erosion rate between the equator and the poles of a factor of a few could explain the latitudinal variation in Titan’s crater population. Fluvial erosion also removes central peaks and fills in central pits, possibly explaining their infrequent occurrence in Titan craters. Although many craters on Titan appear to be modified by aeolian infilling, fluvial modification is necessary to explain the observed impact crater morphologies. Thus, it is an important secondary modification process even in Titan’s drier equatorial regions.
Secondary craters on Europa and implications for cratered surfaces.
Bierhaus, Edward B; Chapman, Clark R; Merline, William J
2005-10-20
For several decades, most planetary researchers have regarded the impact crater populations on solid-surfaced planets and smaller bodies as predominantly reflecting the direct ('primary') impacts of asteroids and comets. Estimates of the relative and absolute ages of geological units on these objects have been based on this assumption. Here we present an analysis of the comparatively sparse crater population on Jupiter's icy moon Europa and suggest that this assumption is incorrect for small craters. We find that 'secondaries' (craters formed by material ejected from large primary impact craters) comprise about 95 per cent of the small craters (diameters less than 1 km) on Europa. We therefore conclude that large primary impacts into a solid surface (for example, ice or rock) produce far more secondaries than previously believed, implying that the small crater populations on the Moon, Mars and other large bodies must be dominated by secondaries. Moreover, our results indicate that there have been few small comets (less than 100 m diameter) passing through the jovian system in recent times, consistent with dynamical simulations.
Topographic Analysis of the Asymmetric Ejecta of Zunil Crater, Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mouginis-Mark, P. J.; Sharpton, V. L.
2016-12-01
The 10.1 km diameter crater Zunil (7.7oN, 166.2oE) has many of the attributes of a fresh impact crater on Mars, including pitted material on the crater floor, an extensive field of secondary craters, as well as thermally-distinct crater rays. But unlike most craters of this size and location, Zunil crater displays a striking azimuthal variation in ejecta deposits with both fluidized and ballistic ejecta. Here we investigate the geometric attributes of the crater cavity and rim to try to identify the cause of this ejecta asymmetry, as well as the possible explanation for the formation of the ballistic ejecta. To accomplish this, we have created a digital elevation model (DEM) from stereo Context Camera (CTX) images, using the Ames Stereo Pipeline software. We used CTX frames F06_038250_1877 and G05_020211_1877 to produce a DEM with a nominal spatial resolution of 24 m/pixel, and use this DEM to conduct a detailed morphometric analysis of the crater in order to ascertain the nature of this "lobate-ballistic ejecta dichotomy", as well as derive new information on local target properties and the nature of the impact process itself. Measuring the rim height and radius at one-degree increments of azimuth, we find there are numerous places on the rim crest that are both higher and wider, or lower and narrower, than is typical for Zunil crater. There are places where rim height and radius are both close to average, while in other places both the rim height and radius are larger or smaller than the average. There is also a lack of consistency between the geometry of the crater and the type of ejecta; namely no direct correlation between rim height, crater radius, and ejecta type, but a slight negative correlation between radius and rim height for parts of the crater which possess ballistic ejecta. We find good circumstantial evidence that some of the target rock within which Zunil crater formed may have been dry at the time of impact compared to other craters of this size, latitude and elevation. We speculate that this lack of volatiles most likely arose from the drainage of water to depths greater than the excavation depth of Zunil crater. The asymmetric nature of the ejecta blanket argues strongly against the notion that the Martian atmosphere was partially responsible for ejecta fluidization.
Geology of the Selk crater region on Titan from Cassini VIMS observations
Soderblom, J.M.; Brown, R.H.; Soderblom, L.A.; Barnes, J.W.; Jaumann, R.; Le Mouélic, Stéphane; Sotin, Christophe; Stephan, K.; Baines, K.H.; Buratti, B.J.; Clark, R.N.; Nicholson, P.D.
2010-01-01
Observations of Titan obtained by the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) have revealed Selk crater, a geologically young, bright-rimmed, impact crater located ???800. km north-northwest of the Huygens landing site. The crater rim-crest diameter is ???90. km; its floor diameter is ???60. km. A central pit/peak, 20-30. km in diameter, is seen; the ratio of the size of this feature to the crater diameter is consistent with similarly sized craters on Ganymede and Callisto, all of which are dome craters. The VIMS data, unfortunately, are not of sufficient resolution to detect such a dome. The inner rim of Selk crater is fluted, probably by eolian erosion, while the outer flank and presumed ejecta blanket appear dissected by drainages (particularly to the east), likely the result of fluvial erosion. Terracing is observed on the northern and western walls of Selk crater within a 10-15. km wide terrace zone identified in VIMS data; the terrace zone is bright in SAR data, consistent with it being a rough surface. The terrace zone is slightly wider than those observed on Ganymede and Callisto and may reflect differences in thermal structure and/or composition of the lithosphere. The polygonal appearance of the crater likely results from two preexisting planes of weakness (oriented at azimuths of 21?? and 122?? east of north). A unit of generally bright terrain that exhibits similar infrared-color variation and contrast to Selk crater extends east-southeast from the crater several hundred kilometers. We informally refer to this terrain as the Selk "bench." Both Selk and the bench are surrounded by the infrared-dark Belet dune field. Hypotheses for the genesis of the optically bright terrain of the bench include: wind shadowing in the lee of Selk crater preventing the encroachment of dunes, impact-induced cryovolcanism, flow of a fluidized-ejecta blanket (similar to the bright crater outflows observed on Venus), and erosion of a streamlined upland formed in the lee of Selk crater by fluid flow. Vestigial circular outlines in this feature just east of Selk's ejecta blanket suggest that this might be a remnant of an ancient, cratered crust. Evidently the southern margin of the feature has sufficient relief to prevent the encroachment of dunes from the Belet dune field. We conclude that this feature either represents a relatively high-viscosity, fluidized-ejecta flow (a class intermediate to ejecta blankets and long venusian-style ejecta flows) or a streamlined upland remnant that formed downstream from the crater by erosive fluid flow from the west-northwest. ?? 2010 Elsevier Inc.
2014-01-10
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Performance Power Racing and Hennessey Performance teams pose with a Hennessey Venom GT at the 3.5-mile long runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The teams are, from left, Hennessey's John Heinricy, John Hennessey, Brian Smith, Performance Power Racing's Johnny Bohmer, Matt Lundy and Jeff McEachran. The flat concrete runway is one of the few places in the world where high performance automobiles can be tested for aerodynamic and safety designs. Hennessey Performance of Sealy, Texas, worked with Performance Power Racing in West Palm Beach to arrange use of the NASA facility. Performance Power Racing has conducted numerous engineering tests on the runway with a variety of vehicles.
Large Subdued and Small Fresh Craters
2012-03-27
This image from NASA Dawn spacecraft shows many large subdued craters that have smaller, younger craters on top of them on asteroid Vesta. There are two large subdued craters in the center of the image, which have very degraded and rounded rims.
2018-05-29
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) keeps finding new impact sites on Mars. This one occurred within the dense secondary crater field of Corinto Crater, to the north-northeast. The new crater and its ejecta have distinctive color patterns. Once the colors have faded in a few decades, this new crater will still be distinctive compared to the secondaries by having a deeper cavity compared to its diameter. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22462
Moon - 'Ghost' craters formed during Mare filling.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cruikshank, D. P.; Hartmann, W. K.; Wood, C. A.
1973-01-01
This paper discusses formation of 'pathological' cases of crater morphology due to interaction of craters with molten lavas. Terrestrial observations of such a process are discussed. In lunar maria, a number of small impact craters (D less than 10 km) may have been covered by thin layers of fluid lavas, or formed in molten lava. Some specific lunar examples are discussed, including unusual shallow rings resembling experimental craters deformed by isostatic filling.
Investigating Evolved Compositions Around Wolf Crater
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greenhagen, B. T.; Cahill, J. T. S.; Jolliff, B. L.; Lawrence, S. J.; Glotch, T. D.
2017-01-01
Wolf crater is an irregularly shaped, approximately 25 km crater in the south-central portion of Mare Nubium on the lunar nearside. While not previously identified as a lunar "red spot", Wolf crater was identified as a Th anomaly by Lawrence and coworkers. We have used data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) to determine the area surrounding Wolf crater has composition more similar to highly evolved, non-mare volcanic structures than typical lunar crustal lithology. In this presentation, we will investigate the geomorphology and composition of the Wolf crater and discuss implications for the origin of the anomalous terrain.
Analytical Model for Mars Crater-Size Frequency Distribution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bruckman, W.; Ruiz, A.; Ramos, E.
2009-05-01
We present a theoretical and analytical curve that reproduces essential features of the frequency distributions vs. diameter of the 42,000 impact craters contained in Barlow's Mars Catalog. The model is derived using reasonable simple assumptions that allow us to relate the present craters population with the craters population at each particular epoch. The model takes into consideration the reduction of the number of craters as a function of time caused by their erosion and obliteration, and this provides a simple and natural explanation for the presence of different slopes in the empirical log-log plot of number of craters (N) vs. diameter (D). A mean life for martians craters as a function of diameter is deduced, and it is shown that this result is consistent with the corresponding determination of craters mean life based on Earth data. Arguments are given to suggest that this consistency follows from the fact that a crater mean life is proportional to its volumen. It also follows that in the absence of erosions and obliterations, when craters are preserved, we would have N ∝ 1/D^{4.3}, which is a striking conclusion, since the exponent 4.3 is larger than previously thought. Such an exponent implies a similar slope in the extrapolated impactors size-frequency distribution.
Poag, C. Wylie; Plescia, J.B.; Molzer, P.C.
2002-01-01
Three ancient impact craters (Chesapeake Bay - 35.7 Ma; Toms Canyon - 35.7 Ma; Montagnais - 51 Ma) and one multiring impact basin (Chicxulub - 65 Ma) are currently known to be buried beneath modern continental shelves. All occur on the passive Atlantic margin of North America in regions extensively explored by seismic reflection surveys in the search for oil and gas reserves. We limit our discussion herein to the three youngest structures. These craters were created by submarine impacts, which produced many structural and morphological features similar in construction, composition, and variability to those documented in well-preserved subaerial and planetary impact craters. The subcircular Chesapeake Bay (diameter 85 km) and ovate Montagnais (diameter 45-50 km) structures display outer-rim scarps, annular troughs, peak rings, inner basins, and central peaks similar to those incorporated in the widely cited conceptual model of complex impact craters. These craters differ in several respects from the model, however. For example, the Montagnais crater lacks a raised lip on the outer rim, the Chesapeake Bay crater displays only small remnants of a raised lip, and both craters contain an unusually thick body of impact breccia. The subtriangular Toms Canyon crater (diameter 20-22 km), on the other hand, contains none of the internal features of a complex crater, nor is it typical of a simple crater. It displays a prominent raised lip on the outer rim, but the lip is present only on the western side of the crater. In addition, each of these craters contains some distinct features, which are not present in one or both of the others. For example, the central peak at Montagnais rises well above the elevation of the outer rim, whereas at Chesapeake Bay, the outer rim is higher than the central peak. The floor of the Toms Canyon crater is marked by parallel deep troughs and linear ridges formed of sedimentary rocks, whereas at Chesapeake Bay, the crater floor contains concentric faults and compression ridges formed in rocks of the crystalline basement. The Chesapeake Bay crater is distinguished further by its cluster of at least 23 adjacent secondary craters. The North American tektite strewn field, a widespread deposit of distal ejecta, is thought to be derived from the Chesapeake Bay impact, perhaps with a small contribution from the Toms Canyon impact. No ejecta field is known to be associated with the Montagnais impact. No immediate major extinction event is directly linked to any of these three impacts. There is evidence, however, that the Chesapeake Bay and Toms Canyon impacts helped initiate a long-term pulse of warm global climate, whose eventual dissipation coincided with an early Oligocene mass extinction event, 2 Ma after the impacts.
Degradation of Victoria crater, Mars
Grant, J. A.; Wilson, S.A.; Cohen, B. A.; Golombek, M.P.; Geissler, P.E.; Sullivan, R.J.; Kirk, R.L.; Parker, T.J.
2008-01-01
The ???750 m diameter and ???75 m deep Victoria crater in Meridiani Planum, Mars, is a degraded primary impact structure retaining a ???5 m raised rim consisting of 1-2 m of uplifted rocks overlain by ???3 m of ejecta at the rim crest. The rim is 120-220 m wide and is surrounded by a dark annulus reaching an average of 590 m beyond the raised rim. Comparison between observed morphology and that expected for pristine craters 500-750 m across indicates that the original, pristine crater was close to 600 m in diameter. Hence, the crater has been erosionally widened by ???150 m and infilled by ???50 m of sediments. Eolian processes are responsible for most crater modification, but lesser mass wasting or gully activity contributions cannot be ruled out. Erosion by prevailing winds is most significant along the exposed rim and upper walls and accounts for ???50 m widening across a WNW-ESE diameter. The volume of material eroded from the crater walls and rim is ???20% less than the volume of sediments partially filling the crater, indicating eolian infilling from sources outside the crater over time. The annulus formed when ???1 m deflation of the ejecta created a lag of more resistant hematite spherules that trapped <10-20 cm of darker, regional basaltic sands. Greater relief along the rim enabled meters of erosion. Comparison between Victoria and regional craters leads to definition of a crater degradation sequence dominated by eolian erosion and infilling over time. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.
Seismic Shaking Removal of Craters 0.2-0.5 km in Diameter on Asteroid 433 Eros
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thomas, P. C.; Robinson, M. S.
2005-01-01
Impact cratering acts in a variety of ways to create a surprising range of scenery on small satellites and asteroids. The visible crater population is a self-modifying characteristic of these airless objects, and determining the various ways younger craters can add or subtract from the population is an important aspect of small body "geology." Asteroid 433 Eros, the most closely studied of any small body, has two aspects of its crater population that have attracted attention: a fall-off of crater densities below approx.100 m diameter relative to an expected equilibrium population [1] and regions of substantially lower large crater densities [2, 3, 4]. In this work we examine the global variation of the density of craters on Eros larger than 0.177 km, a size range above that involved in small crater depletion hypotheses [1, 5]. We counted all craters on Eros to a size range somewhat below 0.177 km diameter (and different from data used in [3]). The primary metric for this study is the number of craters between 0.177 and 1.0 km within a set radius of each grid point on the 2deg x 2deg shape model of Eros. This number can be expressed as an R-value [6], provided that it is remembered that the large bin size makes individual R values slightly different from those obtained in the usual root-2 bins.
Investigating Mars: Kaiser Crater Dunes
2018-02-01
This VIS image of the floor of Kaiser Crater contains several sand dune shapes and sizes. The "whiter" material is the hard crater floor surface. Kaiser Crater is located in the southern hemisphere in the Noachis region west of Hellas Planitia. Kaiser Crater is just one of several large craters with extensive dune fields on the crater floor. Other nearby dune filled craters are Proctor, Russell, and Rabe. Kaiser Crater is 207 km (129 miles) in diameter. The dunes are located in the southern part of the crater floor. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 71,000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images! Orbit Number: 39910 Latitude: -46.9063 Longitude: 19.8112 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2010-12-13 11:17 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22264
Modeling the Provenance of Crater Ejecta
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Huang, Ya-Huei; Minton, David A.
2014-11-01
The cratering history of the Moon provides a way to study the violent early history of our early solar system. Nevertheless, we are still limited in our ability to interpret the lunar cratering history because the complex process of generation and subsequent transportation and destruction of impact melt products is relatively poorly understood. Here we describe a preliminary model for the transport of datable impact melt products by craters over Gy timescales on the lunar surface. We use a numerical model based on the Maxwell Z-model to model the exhumation and transport of ejecta material from within the excavation flow of a transient crater. We describe our algorithm for rapidly estimating the provenance of ejecta material for use in a Monte Carlo cratering code capable of simulating lunar cratering over Gy timescales.
A size-frequency study of large Martian craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Woronow, A.
1975-01-01
The log normal frequency distribution law was used to analyze the crater population on the surface of Mars. Resulting data show possible evidence for the size frequency evolution of crater producing bodies. Some regions on Mars display excessive depletion of either large or small craters; the most likely causes of the depletion are considered. Apparently, eolian sedimentation has markedly altered the population of the small craters south of -30 deg latitude. The general effects of crater obliteration in the Southern Hemisphere appear to be confined to diameters of less than 20 km. A strong depletion of large craters in a large region just south of Deuteronilus Mensae, and in a small region centered at 35 deg latitude and 10 deg west longitude, may indicate locations of subsurface ice.
Impact craters on Venus - Initial analysis from Magellan
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Phillips, Roger J.; Arvidson, Raymond E.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Campbell, Donald B.; Guest, John E.
1991-01-01
The general features of impact craters are described emphasizing two aspects: the effect of the atmosphere on crater and ejecta morphology and the implications of the distribution and appearance of the craters for the volcanic and tectonic resurfacing history of Venus. Magellan radar images reveal 135 craters about 15 km in diameter containing central peaks, multiple central peaks, and peak rings. Craters smaller than 15 km exhibit multiple floors or appear in clusters. Surface flows of material initially entrained in the atmosphere are characterized. Zones of low radar albedo originated from deformation of the surface by the shock or pressure wave associated with the incoming meteoroid surround many craters. A spectrum of surface ages on Venus ranging from 0 to 800 million years indicates that Venus must be a geologically active planet.
Impact Crater Identified on the Navajo Nation Near Chinle, Arizona
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shoemaker, E. M.; Roddy, D. J.; Moore, C. B.; Pfeilsticker, R.; Curley, C. L.; Dunkelman, T.; Kuerzel, K.; Taylor, M.; Shoemaker, C.; Donnelly, P.
1995-09-01
A small impact crater has been identified about 8 km north of Chinle, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. Preliminary studies show that the crater is elongate in a N-S direction, measuring about 23 by 34 m in diameter, with a depth of about 1.3 m. The impact origin of the crater is identified by its shape, subsurface deformation, and an iron-nickel oxide fragment. We estimate the age to be about 150 to 250 years. The impact site is on the east side of the Chinle Valley at an altitude of 1685 m and is about 2 km east of Chinle Wash. The crater formed on an alluvial surface that slopes gently west toward the Wash. About 2 m of reddish brown alluvial sand and silt of the Jeddito Formation of late Pleistocene age rests on the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation of late Triassic age. A moderately developed late Pleistocene pedocal soil has developed on the Jeddito. Several thin discontinuous caliche horizons occur at a depth of about 1 m. The caliche horizons provided easily traced markers by which we could delimit the original walls of the crater and recognize deformation along the crater walls. Three trenches were excavated down to the top of the Chinle bedrock: 1) an east- west trench 31 m long across the center of the crater, 2) a north-south trench 13 m long in the north crater rim, and 3) a north-south trench 12 m long in the south crater rim. Excavation width was about 1 m and provided excellent exposures of the subsurface stratigraphy and deformation. The trenches revealed that the original crater was about 23 m wide and 27 m long. The original rim crests have entirely eroded away so that no perceptible raised rim remains. At the center of the crater, the original depth was about 3 m; material washed from the rims now fills the crater floor to a depth of 1.5 m. The crater is symmetrical; however, the deepest part of the original crater lies south of the center and was not reached in the south trench. The east-west trench showed that the initial floor of the crater was scoured down to the Jeddito-Chinle contact across the center of the crater. Some of the Chinle was excavated by impact south of the center, as seen in the trench in the south wall. The original crater walls slope inward about 30 degrees on the east and west sides, about 20 degrees on the north, and about 45 degrees on the south. Beds are dragged up along the east, west, and south walls, but not along the north wall. The deformation is restricted to within about 0.5 m of the wall. From the asymmetry of shape and deformation in the walls, we believe that the impacting body struck at an oblique angle and was traveling from north to south. A small, magnetic, iron oxide fragment, about 1 mm across, was collected from material excavated from the south crater wall area. Analyses of this fragment by electron microprobe detected a significant nickel concentration of 5%. Two senior Navajo women (70-80 year age range) independently remember this crater as being much deeper during their childhood and both suggest that the impact was witnessed 3 to 4 generations ago. Interestingly, many persons in the Navajo community thought that this crater was of impact origin. Additional work is planned, including a broader aerial search for other possible impact sites.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schon, S.; Head, J.; Fassett, C.
2008-09-01
Introduction Gullies are considered among the youngest geomorphic features on Mars based upon their stratigraphic relationships, superposition on steep slopes and distinctive morphology in unconsolidated sediment. Multiple formation hypotheses have been proposed, which can be divided into three broad classes: entirely dry mechanisms (e.g., [1,2]), wet mechanisms invoking groundwater or ground ice (e.g., [3,4]) and wet mechanisms invoking surficial meltwater (e.g., [5,6,7,8]). It has been difficult to differentiate between these hypotheses based upon past observations and it remains possible that gullies are polygenetic landforms. This study presents stratigraphic relationships in the depositional fan of a crater wall gully system that suggest: (1) multiple episodes of alluvial fan-style deposition, (2) very recent depositional activity that is younger than a newly recognized rayed crater, and (3) surficial snowmelt as the most likely source of these multiple episodes of recent gully activity. Gully-Fan Stratigraphy In Eastern Promethei Terra an ~5 km-diameter crater is observed with a well-developed gully system (Fig. 1) and several smaller gullies in its northnortheast wall. The large gully system (composed of a small western gully and larger eastern gully) shows evidence for incision into the crater wall country rock and has multiple contributory sub-alcoves and channels. The depositional fan associated with this gully system is bounded on its western side by a small arcuate ridge swell that is not observed on the eastern side of the fan. This ridge is interpreted as a moraine-like structure that may have bounded a glacially-formed depression into which the fan is deposited [8]. Similar depressions with bounding ridges are commonly observed in this latitude band (~30-50°S) in association with deeply incised gully alcoves [9,10,11]. This gully fan is composed of multiple lobes with distinct lobe contacts, incised channels, and cut-andfill deposits - all features similar to those seen in terrestrial alluvial fans [12,13]. The western portion of the fan is contained within the depression, while the younger eastern portion overlies and obscures any potential evidence of the ridge structure. A very striking and unusual feature of this gully fan is the large number of superposed impact craters; due to their density and similar diameter, we interpret these to be secondary craters from a large nearby primary impact crater. The depositional lobes of the fan can be divided into two groups: 1) those that predate the secondary crater population and 2) younger lobes that are superposed on the secondary craters. Numerous secondary craters (~1-25 m-diameter) superpose the lowermost stratigraphic lobe (Fig. 1, A), while at least three younger lobes (Fig. 1, C1, D1, and D2) directly superpose the cratered lobe. The emplacement date of these secondaries provides a robust maximum age for the youngest lobes of this fan, and therefore the most recent fluvial activity of the gully. Most gullies either have no superposed impact craters [3,7] or are too small to date with any certainty using crater counts [14]. Therefore, locating and dating the parent impact crater of these secondaries is critical to constrain the chronology and origin of gully systems. Rayed-Crater Source of the Secondary Craters Regional reconnaissance for the origin of the secondary craters led to the discovery of a previously unidentified rayed crater complex (consisting of an ~18 km-diameter outer crater and an ~7 km-diameter inner crater) approximately 175 km southwest of the gully system. Distinctive rays are observed in THEMIS nighttime thermal inertia data, but are not observable as albedo contrasts in THEMIS visible data, consistent with other identifications of young rayed craters on Mars [15,16]. The rims of both craters are distinct and consistent with the morphology of very young impact craters on Mars. The inner crater has a greater depth to diameter ratio than the outer crater (0.121 compared to 0.073), consistent with young Martian craters [17]. Both the outer and inner craters have classically-defined gullies, preferentially developed on their pole-facing walls. Polygons are observed in gully alcoves of the outer crater, but not in alcoves of the inner crater, implying a difference in substrate or thermal cycling time [18]. The outer crater is floored by ejecta from the inner crater and mantling deposits. There is no evidence of an underlying concentric crater fill deposit or other altered fill unit typical of older Amazonian altered craters [19]. The inner crater is floored by unconsolidated sediment and contains a small collection of dunes. No evidence of pits, hummocky texture or other sublimation features are observed indicating that the crater interior is not a periglacial terrain. We interpret the inner crater as younger than the most recent episode of mantling deposition (~0.4Ma) [20] due to the exposed spur and talus slope development on the equator-facing wall, a slope and orientation that preferentially preserves smooth mantle texture in this latitude regime [21]. One superposed crater (~45 mdiameter) is observed in HiRISE coverage. Using the technique of Hartmann and Quantin-Nataf [22], who dated Gratteri crater by counting small craters superposed on the floor, the inner crater is on the order of 100Ka. Based upon these observations and the relative proximity of secondary craters to the outer crater rim (making it unlikely they originated from the outer crater), the 7 km-diameter inner crater is the likely source of the rays and secondary craters of interest on the gully fan lobe. Acknowledgments: Special thanks to the Mars Recognisance Orbiter and HiRISE teams as well as the Odyssey and THEMIS teams. This research was funded by NASA. Conclusions This study has identified a gully system fan in Eastern Promethei Terra with morphology requiring multiple periods of activity for its construction. At least one lobe of the fan has retained a dense secondary crater population, while at least two episodes of activity post-date emplacement of the secondary craters. Approximately 175 km to the southwest, the likely parent rayed crater was discovered using THEMIS thermal inertia data. This 7 km-diameter crater is located within a morphologically older 18 km-diameter crater. We interpret the source crater as younger than the most recent obliquity-controlled glacial period (~0.4Ma), which is consistent with crater age dating of the floor as well. The multiple episodes of alluvial fan activity mapped in this study imply that gullies are not catastrophic landforms that formed in single events. Rather, multiple episodes of fluvial activity in the gully system are required to deposit and rework the alluvial fan that is observed. The alluvial fan morphology [10, 11] and sedimentary channel structures make dry mass-wasting processes implausible for the formation of this gully system. The multiple episodes of activity required by the fan stratigraphy documented here cast serious doubt on catastrophic groundwater discharge scenarios that are unlikely to generate episodic releases. Small amounts of surficial meltwater derived from snow and ice accumulation is suggested by the insolation geometries of gully systems and most plausibly can account for multiple periods of recent (<0.4Ma) activity required by these observations. This chronology is consistent with other evidence [11] that places gully formation in the waning stages of the ice ages that produced the latiduedependent mantles. References [1] Treiman, A. (2003) JGR 108, doi: 10.1029/2002JE001900. [2] Shinbrot, T. et al. (2004) PNAS 101, doi: 10.1073/mnas.03082511 01. [3] Malin, M. and Edgett, K. (2000) Science 288, doi: 10.1126/ science.288.5475.2330. [4] Heldmann, J. et al. (2007) Icarus 188, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2006.12.010. [5] Costard, F. et al. (2001) Science 295, doi: 10.1126/science.1066698. [6] Christensen, P. (2003) Nature 422, doi: 10.1038/nature01436. [7] Dickson, J. et al. (2007) Icarus 188, doi: 10/1016/j.icarus.2006.11.020. [8] Head, J. et al. (2008) Workshop on Martian Gullies: Theories and Tests, LPI #1301. [9] Hartmann, W. et al. (2003) Icarus 162, doi: 10.1016/S00 19-1035(02)00065-9. [10] Berman, D. et al. (2005), Icarus 178, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2005.05.011. [11] Head, J. et al. (2008) PNAS, in revision: 16 April 2008. [12] Blissenbach, E. (1954) GSA Bulletin 65, 175-190. [13] Blair, T. and McPherson, J. (1994) JSR 64, (3A) 450-489. [14] Hartmann, W. (2005), Icarus 174, doi: 10.1016/j.icar us.2004.11.023. [15] McEwen, A. et al. (2005) Icarus 176 doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2005.02.009. [16] Tornabene, L. et al. (2006) JGR 111, doi: 10.1029/2005JE002600. [17] Garvin, J. et al. (2003) 6th International Conference on Mars, Abstract 3277. [18] Levy, J. et al. (2008) LPSC [CD-ROM], XXXIX, abstract 1171. [19] Kreslavsky, M. and Head, J. (2006) Meteoritics & Plan. Sci. 41, 1633-1646. [20] Head, J. et al. (2003) Nature 426, 797-802. [21] Schon, S. et al. (2008) LPSC [CD-ROM], XXXIX, abstract 1873. [22] Hartmann, W. and Quantin-Nataf, C. (2008) LPSC [CD-ROM], XXXIX, abstract 1844.
Standardizing the nomenclature of Martian impact crater ejecta morphologies
Barlow, Nadine G.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Costard, Francois M.; Craddock, Robert A.; Garvin, James B.; Sakimoto, Susan E.H.; Kuzmin, Ruslan O.; Roddy, David J.; Soderblom, Laurence A.
2000-01-01
The Mars Crater Morphology Consortium recommends the use of a standardized nomenclature system when discussing Martian impact crater ejecta morphologies. The system utilizes nongenetic descriptors to identify the various ejecta morphologies seen on Mars. This system is designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between researchers. Crater morphology databases will be archived through the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, where a comprehensive catalog of Martian crater morphologic information will be maintained.
View of the crater on lunar farside from Apollo 13
1970-04-14
AS13-60-8675 (April 1970) --- This bright-rayed crater on the lunar farside was photographed from the Apollo 13 spacecraft during its pass around the moon. This area is northeast of Mare Marginus. The bright-rayed crater is located at about 105 degrees east longitude and 45 degrees north latitude. The crater Joliot-Curie is located between Mare Marginus and the rayed crater. This view is looking generally toward the northeast.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fucugauchi, J. U.; Perez-Cruz, L. L.; Velasco-Villarreal, M.
2013-12-01
Drilling projects of impact structures provide data on the structure and stratigraphy of target, impact and post-impact lithologies, providing insight on the impact dynamics and cratering. Studies have successfully included magnetic well logging and analyses in core and cuttings, directed to characterize the subsurface stratigraphy and structure at depth. There are 170-180 impact craters documented in the terrestrial record, which is a small proportion compared to expectations derived from what is observed on the Moon, Mars and other bodies of the solar system. Knowledge of the internal 3-D deep structure of craters, critical for understanding impacts and crater formation, can best be studied by geophysics and drilling. On Earth, few craters have yet been investigated by drilling. Craters have been drilled as part of industry surveys and/or academic projects, including notably Chicxulub, Sudbury, Ries, Vredefort, Manson and many other craters. As part of the Continental ICDP program, drilling projects have been conducted on the Chicxulub, Bosumtwi, Chesapeake, Ries and El gygytgyn craters. Inclusion of continuous core recovery expanded the range of paleomagnetic and rock magnetic applications, with direct core laboratory measurements, which are part of the tools available in the ocean and continental drilling programs. Drilling studies are here briefly reviewed, with emphasis on the Chicxulub crater formed by an asteroid impact 66 Ma ago at the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary. Chicxulub crater has no surface expression, covered by a kilometer of Cenozoic sediments, thus making drilling an essential tool. As part of our studies we have drilled eleven wells with continuous core recovery. Magnetic susceptibility logging, magnetostratigraphic, rock magnetic and fabric studies have been carried out and results used for lateral correlation, dating, formation evaluation, azimuthal core orientation and physical property contrasts. Contributions of magnetic studies on impact age, cratering, target-impactite stratigraphy, ejecta, impact dynamics, hydrothermal alterations and post-impact processes are presented. The challenges and perspectives of drilling studies of impact craters are discussed.
The Age of the Surface of Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Zahnle, K. J.; McKinnon, William B.; Young, Richard E. (Technical Monitor)
1997-01-01
Impact craters on Venus appear to be uniformly and randomly scattered over a once, but no longer, geologically active planet. To first approximation, the planet shows a single surface of a single age. Here we use Monte Carlo cratering simulations to estimate the age of the surface of Venus. The simulations are based on the present populations of Earth-approaching asteroids, Jupiter-family, Halley-family, and long period comets; they use standard Schmidt-Housen crater scalings in the gravity regime; and they describe interaction with the atmosphere using a semi-analytic 'pancake' model that is calibrated to detailed numerical simulations of impactors striking Venus. The lunar and terrestrial cratering records are also simulated. Both of these records suffer from poor statistics. The Moon has few young large craters and fewer still whose ages are known, and the record is biased because small craters tend to look old and large craters tend to look young. The craters of the Earth provide the only reliable ages, but these craters are few, eroded, of uncertain diameter, and statistically incomplete. Together the three cratering records can be inverted to constrain the flux of impacting bodies, crater diameters given impact parameters, and the calibration of atmospheric interactions. The surface age of Venus that results is relatively young. Alternatively, we can use our best estimates for these three input parameters to derive a best estimate for the age of the surface of Venus. Our tentative conclusions are that comets are unimportant, that the lunar and terrestrial crater records are both subject to strong biases, that there is no strong evidence for an increasing cratering flux in recent years, and that that the nominal age of the surface of Venus is about 600 Ma, although the uncertainty is about a factor of two. The chief difference between our estimate and earlier, somewhat younger estimates is that we find that the venusian atmosphere is less permeable to impacting bodies than supposed by earlier studies. An older surface increases the likelihood that Venus is dead.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kenkmann, Thomas; Wulf, Gerwin; Sturm, Sebastian; Pietrek, Alexa
2015-04-01
The ejecta blankets of impact craters in volatile-rich environments often show characteristic layered ejecta morphologies. The so-called double-layer ejecta (DLE) craters are probably the most confusing crater types showing two ejecta layers with distinct morphologies. A phenomenological ejecta excavation and emplacement model for DLE craters is proposed based on a detailed case study of the Martian crater Steinheim - a textbook like, pristine DLE crater - and studies of other DLE craters [1]. The observations show that DLE craters on Mars are the result of an impact event into a rock/ice mixture that produces large amounts of shock-induced vaporization and melting of ground ice. The deposits of the ejecta curtain are wet in the distal part and dryer in composition in the proximal part. As a result, the outer ejecta layer is emplaced as medial and distal ejecta that propagate outwards in a fluid saturated debris flow mode after landing overrunning previously formed secondary craters. In contrast, the inner ejecta layer is formed by a translational slide of the proximal ejecta deposits. This slide overruns and superimposes parts of the outer ejecta layer. Basal melting of the ice components of the ejecta volumes at the transient crater rim is induced by frictional heating and the enhanced pressure at depth. The results indicate similar processes also for other planetary bodies with volatile-rich environments, such as Ganymede, Europa or the Earth. The Ries crater on Earth has a similar ejecta thickness distribution as DLE craters on Mars [2]. Here basal sliding and fluidization of the ejecta increases outward by the entrainment of locally derived Tertiary sands and clays, that are saturated with groundwater. References: [1] Wulf, G. & Kenkmann, T. (2015) Met. Planet. Sci. (in press); [2] Sturm, S., Wulf. G., Jung, D. & Kenkmann, T. (2013) Geology 41, 531-534.
Subsurface volatile content of martian double-layer ejecta (DLE) craters
Viola, Donna; McEwen, Alfred S.; Dundas, Colin M.; Byrne, Shane
2017-01-01
Excess ice is widespread throughout the martian mid-latitudes, particularly in Arcadia Planitia, where double-layer ejecta (DLE) craters also tend to be abundant. In this region, we observe the presence of thermokarstically-expanded secondary craters that likely form from impacts that destabilize a subsurface layer of excess ice, which subsequently sublimates. The presence of these expanded craters shows that excess ice is still preserved within the adjacent terrain. Here, we focus on a 15-km DLE crater that contains abundant superposed expanded craters in order to study the distribution of subsurface volatiles both at the time when the secondary craters formed and, by extension, remaining today. To do this, we measure the size distribution of the superposed expanded craters and use topographic data to calculate crater volumes as a proxy for the volumes of ice lost to sublimation during the expansion process. The inner ejecta layer contains craters that appear to have undergone more expansion, suggesting that excess ice was most abundant in that region. However, both of the ejecta layers had more expanded craters than the surrounding terrain. We extrapolate that the total volume of ice remaining within the entire ejecta deposit is as much as 74 km3 or more. The variation in ice content between the ejecta layers could be the result of (1) volatile preservation from the formation of the DLE crater, (2) post-impact deposition in the form of ice lenses; or (3) preferential accumulation or preservation of subsequent snowfall. We have ruled out (2) as the primary mode for ice deposition in this location based on inconsistencies with our observations, though it may operate in concert with other processes. Although none of the existing DLE formation hypotheses are completely consistent with our observations, which may merit a new or modified mechanism, we can conclude that DLE craters contain a significant quantity of excess ice today.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Matias, A.; Garvin, J. B.; Sakimoto, S. E. H.
1998-01-01
One intriguing aspect of martian impact crater morphology is the change of crater cavity and ejecta characteristics from the mid-latitudes to the polar regions. This is thought to reflect differences in target properties such as an increasing presence of ice in the polar regions. Previous image-based efforts concerning martian crater morphology has documented some aspects of this, but has been hampered by the lack of adequate topography data. Recent Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) topographic profiles provide a quantitative perspective for interpreting the detailed morphologies of martian crater cavities and ejecta morphology. This study is a preliminary effort to quantify the latitude-dependent differences in morphology with the goal of identifying target-dependent and crater modification effects from the combined of images and MOLA topography. We combine the available MOLA profiles and the corresponding Viking Mars Digital Image Mosaics (MDIMS), and high resolution Viking Orbiter images to focus on two transitional craters; one on the mid-latitudes, and one in the North Polar region. One MOLA pass (MGS Orbit 34) traverses the center of a 15.9 km diameter fresh complex crater located at 12.8degN 83.8degE on the Hesperian ridge plains unit (Hvr). Viking images, as well as MOLA data, show that this crater has well developed wall terraces and a central peak with 429 m of relative relief. Three MOLA passes have been acquired for a second impact crater, which is located at 69.5degN 41degE on the Vastitas Borealis Formation. This fresh rampart crater lacks terraces and central peak structures and it has a depth af 579 m. Correlation between images and MOLA topographic profiles allows us to construct basic facies maps of the craters. Eight main units were identified, four of which are common on both craters.
The role of strength defects in shaping impact crater planforms
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Watters, W. A.; Geiger, L. M.; Fendrock, M.; Gibson, R.; Hundal, C. B.
2017-04-01
High-resolution imagery and digital elevation models (DEMs) were used to measure the planimetric shapes of well-preserved impact craters. These measurements were used to characterize the size-dependent scaling of the departure from circular symmetry, which provides useful insights into the processes of crater growth and modification. For example, we characterized the dependence of the standard deviation of radius (σR) on crater diameter (D) as σR ∼ Dm. For complex craters on the Moon and Mars, m ranges from 0.9 to 1.2 among strong and weak target materials. For the martian simple craters in our data set, m varies from 0.5 to 0.8. The value of m tends toward larger values in weak materials and modified craters, and toward smaller values in relatively unmodified craters as well as craters in high-strength targets, such as young lava plains. We hypothesize that m ≈ 1 for planforms shaped by modification processes (slumping and collapse), whereas m tends toward ∼ 1/2 for planforms shaped by an excavation flow that was influenced by strength anisotropies. Additional morphometric parameters were computed to characterize the following planform properties: the planform aspect ratio or ellipticity, the deviation from a fitted ellipse, and the deviation from a convex shape. We also measured the distribution of crater shapes using Fourier decomposition of the planform, finding a similar distribution for simple and complex craters. By comparing the strength of small and large circular harmonics, we confirmed that lunar and martian complex craters are more polygonal at small sizes. Finally, we have used physical and geometrical principles to motivate scaling arguments and simple Monte Carlo models for generating synthetic planforms, which depend on a characteristic length scale of target strength defects. One of these models can be used to generate populations of synthetic planforms which are very similar to the measured population of well-preserved simple craters on Mars.
Interplanetary meteoroid debris in LDEF metal craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brownlee, D. E.; Joswiak, D.; Bradley, J.; Hoerz, Friedrich
1993-01-01
We have examined craters in Al and Au LDEF surfaces to determine the nature of meteoroid residue in the rare cases where projectile material is abundantly preserved in the crater floor. Typical craters contain only small amounts of residue and we find that less than 10 percent of the craters in Al have retained abundant residue consistent with survival of a significant fraction (greater than 20 percent) of the projectile mass. The residue-rich craters can usually be distinguished optically because their interiors are darker than ones with little or no apparent projectile debris. The character of the meteoroid debris in these craters ranges from thin glass liners, to thick vesicular glass containing unmelted mineral fragments, to debris dominated by unmelted mineral fragments. In the best cases of meteoroid survival, unmelted mineral fragments preserve both information on projectile mineralogy as well as other properties such as nuclear tracks caused by solar flare irradiation. The wide range of the observed abundance and alteration state of projectile residue is most probably due to differences in impact velocity. The crater liners are being studied to determine the composition of meteoroids reaching the Earth. The compositional types most commonly seen in the craters are: (1) chondritic (Mg, Si, S, Fe in approximately solar proportions), (2) Mg silicate. amd (3) iron sulfide. These are also the most common compositional types of extraterrestrial particle types collected in the stratosphere. The correlation between these compositions indicates that vapor fractionation was not a major process influencing residue composition in these craters. Although the biases involved with finding analyzable meteoroid debris in metal craters differ from those for extraterrestrial particles collected in and below the atmosphere, there is a common bias favoring particles with low entry velocity. For craters this is very strong and probably all of the metal craters with abundant residue were caused by asteroidal dust impacting at minimum velocities.
Hydrocode Simulations of the Chesapeake Bay Impact
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Collins, G. S.; Melosh, H. J.
2004-01-01
The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater (CBIC) formed about 35 million years ago (late Eocene), in a shallow marine environment (400-600 m water depth). The crater is complex and developed in a multi-layer, rheologically-variable target that comprised 400-1000 meters of soft, water-saturated sediments overlying crystalline basement. Seismic reflection data illustrates that the Chesapeake Bay crater morphology - often described as an "inverted sombrero" - is similar to other marine-target impact craters. It consists of a approx. 1 - 1.5-km deep, highly disturbed central crater, surrounded by a shallower, less deformed basin. The inner crater has a diameter of approx. 40 km; the edge of the outer basin extends to 85-km diameter. The morphological divide between the inner and outer crater is termed the inner ring or peak ring. Little is known about the nature of the inner ring. Seismic reflection data show that the underlying basement is modestly uplifted; however, it is unclear whether the pristine surface expression of the inner ring was elevated above the floor of the outer crater.
Nevada Test Site craters used for astronaut training
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Moore, H. J.
1977-01-01
Craters produced by chemical and nuclear explosives at the Nevada Test Site were used to train astronauts before their lunar missions. The craters have characteristics suitable for reconnaissance-type field investigations. The Schooner test produced a crater about 300 m across and excavated more than 72 m of stratigraphic section deposited in a fairly regular fashion so that systematic observations yield systematic results. Other features common on the moon, such as secondary craters and glass-coated rocks, are present at Schooner crater. Smaller explosive tests on Buckboard Mesa excavated rocks from three horizontal alteration zones within basalt flows so that the original sequence of the zones could be determined. One crater illustrated the characteristics of craters formed across vertical boundaries between rock units. Although the exercises at the Nevada Test Site were only a small part of the training of the astronauts, voice transcripts of Apollo missions 14, 16, and 17 show that the exercises contributed to astronaut performance on the moon.
A Young, Fresh Crater in Hellespontus
2016-01-14
This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft is of a morphologically fresh and simple impact crater in the Hellespontus region. At 1.3 kilometers in diameter, this unnamed crater is only slightly larger than Arizona's Barringer (aka Meteor) Crater, by about 200 meters. Note the simple bowl shape and the raised crater rim. Rock and soil excavated out of the crater by the impacting meteor -- called ejecta -- forms the ejecta deposit. It is continuous for about one crater radius away from the rim and is likely composed of about 90 percent ejecta and 10 percent in-place material that was re-worked by both the impact and the subsequently sliding ejecta. The discontinuous ejecta deposit extends from about one crater radius outward. Here, high velocity ejecta that was launched from close to the impact point -- and got the biggest kick -- flew a long way, landed, rolled, slid, and scoured the ground, forming long tendrils of ejecta and v-shaped ridges. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20340
The scaling of complex craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Croft, S. K.
1985-01-01
The empirical relation between the transient crater diameter (Dg) and final crater diameter (Dr) of complex craters and basins is estimated using cumulative terrace widths, central uplift diameters, continuous ejecta radii, and transient crater reconstructions determined from lunar and terrestrial impact structures. The ratio Dg/Dr is a power law function of Dr, decreasing uniformly from unity at the diameter of the simple-complex crater morphology transition to about 0.5 for large multiring basins like Imbrium on the moon. The empirical constants in the Dg/Dr relation are interpreted physically to mean that the position of the final rim relative to the transient crater, and hence the extent of collapse, is controlled or greatly influenced by the properties of the zone of dissociated material produced by the impact shock. The continuity of the Dg/Dr relation over the entire spectrum of morphologic types from complex craters to multiring basins implies that the rims of all these structures form in the same tectonic environment despite morphologic differences.
Topographic analysis of lunar secondary craters of Copernicus and implications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Oberbeck, V. R.; Aggarwal, H. R.
1977-01-01
An analysis is conducted of the topography of lunar secondary craters and the associated herringbone pattern observed on lunar topophotomaps. The topography and the patterns are compared with those of crater pairs produced in the laboratory. The results are used to identify secondaries on the lunar uplands. The chain of craters that was selected for mapping and which is described is known to be a secondary impact crater chain produced by material ejected from Copernicus Crater because it lies on a well-developed ray system of Copernicus. Oberbeck et al. (1977) had hypothesized that most lunar areas exhibit more craters smaller than 50 km than are observed on Mars and Mercury because lower lunar gravity permitted more widespread distribution of secondaries for the moon. After removal of basin secondaries it is found that the surfaces of the lunar uplands are only sparsely populated by craters between 5 and 50 km. The lunar uplands appear then similar to the Mercurian terrain.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Oehler, Dorothy Z.; Allen, Carlton C.
2007-01-01
Vernal Crater is a Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) landing site candidate providing relatively easy access to extensively layered sediments as well as potential lake deposits. Sediments of Vernal Crater are 400-1200 m below those being investigated by Opportunity in Meridiani Planum, and as such would allow study of significantly older geologic units, if Vernal Crater were selected for MSL. The location of Vernal Crater in SW Arabia Terra provides exceptional scientific interest, as rampart craters and gamma-ray spectrometer (GRS) data from the region suggest a long history of ice/fluids in the subsurface. The potential value of this MSL candidate is further enhanced by reports of atmospheric methane over Arabia, as any insight into the source of that methane would significantly increase our understanding of Mars. Finally, should MSL survive beyond its prime mission, the gentle slope within Vernal Crater would provide a route out of the crater for study of the once ice/fluid-rich plains.
On the constancy of the lunar cratering flux over the past 3.3 billion yr
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Guinness, E. A.; Arvidson, R. E.
1977-01-01
Utilizing a method that minimizes random fluctuations in sampling crater populations, it can be shown that the ejecta deposit of Tycho, the floor of Copernicus, and the region surrounding the Apollo 12 landing site have incremental crater size-frequency distributions that can be expressed as log-log linear functions over the diameter range from 0.1 to 1 km. Slopes are indistinguishable for the three populations, probably indicating that the surfaces are dominated by primary craters. Treating the crater populations of Tycho, the floor of Copernicus, and Apollo 12 as primary crater populations contaminated, but not overwhelmed, with secondaries, allows an attempt at calibration of the post-heavy bombardment cratering flux. Using the age of Tycho as 109 m.y., Copernicus as 800 m.y., and Apollo 12 as 3.26 billion yr, there is no basis for assuming that the flux has changed over the past 3.3 billion yr. This result can be used for dating intermediate aged surfaces by crater density.
Lunar crater volumes - Interpretation by models of impact cratering and upper crustal structure
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Croft, S. K.
1978-01-01
Lunar crater volumes can be divided by size into two general classes with distinctly different functional dependence on diameter. Craters smaller than approximately 12 km in diameter are morphologically simple and increase in volume as the cube of the diameter, while craters larger than about 20 km are complex and increase in volume at a significantly lower rate implying shallowing. Ejecta and interior volumes are not identical and their ratio, Schroeters Ratio (SR), increases from about 0.5 for simple craters to about 1.5 for complex craters. The excess of ejecta volume causing the increase, can be accounted for by a discontinuity in lunar crust porosity at 1.5-2 km depth. The diameter range of significant increase in SR corresponds with the diameter range of transition from simple to complex crater morphology. This observation, combined with theoretical rebound calculation, indicates control of the transition diameter by the porosity structure of the upper crust.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2003-01-01
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-444, 6 August 2003
This April 2003 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a small meteor impact crater that has been modified by wind erosion. Two things happened after the crater formed. First, the upper few meters of surface material into which the meteor impacted was later eroded away by wind. The crater ejecta formed a protective armor that kept the material under the ejecta from been blown away. This caused the crater and ejecta to appear as if standing upon a raised platform--a feature that Mars geologists call a pedestal crater. Next, the pedestal crater was buried beneath several meters of new sediment, and then this material was eroded away by wind to form the array of sharp ridges that run across the pedestal crater's surface. These small ridges are known as yardangs. This picture is illuminated by sunlight from the upper left; it is located in west Daedalia Planum near 14.6oS, 131.9oW.Exhuming Crater in Northeast Arabia
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2003-01-01
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-563, 3 December 2003
The upper crust of Mars is layered, and interbedded with these layers are old, filled and buried meteor impact craters. In a few places on Mars, such as Arabia Terra, erosion has re-exposed some of the filled and buried craters. This October 2003 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows an example. The larger circular feature was once a meteor crater. It was filled with sediment, then buried beneath younger rocks. The smaller circular feature is a younger impact crater that formed in the surface above the rocks that buried the large crater. Later, erosion removed all of the material that covered the larger, buried crater, except in the location of the small crater. This pair of martian landforms is located near 17.6oN, 312.8oW. The image covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) wide and is illuminated from the lower left.Small Craters and Their Diagnostic Potential
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bugiolacchi, R.
2017-07-01
I analysed and compared the size-frequency distributions of craters in the Apollo 17 landing region, comprising of six mare terrains with varying morphologies and cratering characteristics, along with three other regions allegedly affected by the same secondary event (Tycho secondary surge). I propose that for the smaller crater sizes (in this work 9-30 m), a] an exponential curve of power -0.18D can approximate Nkm-2 crater densities in a regime of equilibrium, while b] a power function D-3 closely describes the factorised representation of craters by size (1 m). The saturation level within the Central Area suggests that c] either the modelled rates of crater erosion on the Moon should be revised, or that the Tycho event occurred much earlier in time than the current estimate. We propose that d] the size-frequency distribution of small secondary craters may bear the signature (in terms of size-frequency distribution of debris/surge) of the source impact and that this observation should be tested further.
Mapping of Boulder Ejecta around Late Amazonian Impact Craters on Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hood, D.; Karunatillake, S.; Fassett, C.
2017-12-01
Detailed mapping of boulders in Martian crater ejecta is lacking due to the large burden of manual boulder counting. Using a newly-developed boulder recognition algorithm, we map the ejected blocks of four Late Amazonian craters. These four craters: Tomini B (125° E, 15° N), Zumba (227° E, -9° N), Gratteri (200° E, -18° N), and an unnamed crater at 230° E, -23° N, have crater ages spanning from as young as 200 ka to as old as 17 Ma [Hartmann et al., 2010; Schon and Head, 2012]. Both Zumba and the unnamed crater are in Daedalia Planum but have very distinct ages making these ideal targets to examine boulder distribution variability within the same target material. Gratteri and Tomini B, by contrast, are in less distinct geologic settings with the impacted material being of mixed fluvial-volcanic origin. For these craters we locate and measure all meter-scale boulders outside of the crater rim and up to 3 crater radii away. Following the method described by Krishna and Kumar [Krishna and Kumar, 2016], we divide the area outside the crater basin into 36 angular sectors, each being 10° wide, and 30 radial sectors 1/10 crater radii wide up to 3 crater radii from the rim. These divisions enable investigation into the distribution of ejected boulders as a function of both direction and distance. We compute the cumulative size-frequency distribution, normalized to the surface area of the observed region, using an exponential fit, as N(a) = Ce-ab, where C is a constant equaling the total number of distinct boulders, a is the average diameter of each boulder, N(a) is the number of boulders of size not less than a, and b is the fit parameter (e.g.[Golombek and Rapp, 1997]). In addition, we also compute the spatial distribution of boulder shapes quantified as elongation: 1-width/height. With the distributions well-described, we compare the spatial distribution of boulders around these four craters to understand how target lithology and age affect the observed distributions.
A Lower Limit on the Thickness of Europa's Ice Shell from Numerical Simulations of Impact Cratering
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Turtle, E. P.; Ivanov, B. A.
2001-12-01
If Europa has an ice-covered, liquid water ocean, the thickness of the ice shell can be tested by analyzing the impact crater morphologies revealed by Galileo images. Several of Europa's 28 primary impact structures have morphologies typical of complex impact craters on other planetary bodies: terraced rims, flat floors, and central peaks [1]. To constrain the minimum ice thickness necessary to reproduce the observed complex crater morphologies, we have performed numerical simulations, using the modified SALE-2D code [2], of the formation of impact craters in ice layers with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 11 km overlying liquid water. The target ice has ice strength properties from published laboratory data [3] with a gradual decrease towards the base of the ice as the temperature approaches the melting point. The projectile parameters were chosen to produce a 10 km diameter crater in thick ice. We find that ice layers less than 7 km thick are not sufficient to prevent an outburst of liquid water during collapse of the transient cavity. At thicknesses of 8 and 9 km we observe a boundary regime: crater collapse produces a flat or upward-domed floor, however the water under the crater center does not reach the surface. In ice greater than 10 km thick a normal transient cavity forms. These results indicate that the ice thickness, at the times and locations of complex crater formation, must have been comparable to the diameters of the transient craters, the largest of which was between 11.9 and 18.5 km [1]. Implementation of additional mechanisms such as acoustic fluidization and creep may affect the shape of the final crater produced in our simulations: acoustic fluidization can produce central peak and peak-ring craters [4], and creep may result in a flattened crater. We are currently investigating the influence of these processes on the final crater morphology. References: [1] Moore et al., Icarus 151, 2001. [2] Ivanov et al., GSA Spec. Pap., in press. [3] Beeman et al., JGR 93, 1988. [4] Melosh and Ivanov, Ann. Rev. Earth Plan. Sci. 27, 1999.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Salamuniccar, Goran; Loncaric, Sven; Mazarico, Erwan Matias
2012-01-01
For Mars, 57,633 craters from the manually assembled catalogues and 72,668 additional craters identified using several crater detection algorithms (CDAs) have been merged into the MA130301GT catalogue. By contrast, for the Moon the most complete previous catalogue contains only 14,923 craters. Two recent missions provided higher-quality digital elevation maps (DEMs): SELENE (in 1/16° resolution) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (we used up to 1/512°). This was the main motivation for work on the new Crater Shape-based interpolation module, which improves previous CDA as follows: (1) it decreases the number of false-detections for the required number of true detections; (2) it improves detection capabilities for very small craters; and (3) it provides more accurate automated measurements of craters' properties. The results are: (1) LU60645GT, which is currently the most complete (up to D>=8 km) catalogue of Lunar craters; and (2) MA132843GT catalogue of Martian craters complete up to D>=2 km, which is the extension of the previous MA130301GT catalogue. As previously achieved for Mars, LU60645GT provides all properties that were provided by the previous Lunar catalogues, plus: (1) correlation between morphological descriptors from used catalogues; (2) correlation between manually assigned attributes and automated measurements; (3) average errors and their standard deviations for manually and automatically assigned attributes such as position coordinates, diameter, depth/diameter ratio, etc; and (4) a review of positional accuracy of used datasets. Additionally, surface dating could potentially be improved with the exhaustiveness of this new catalogue. The accompanying results are: (1) the possibility of comparing a large number of Lunar and Martian craters, of e.g. depth/diameter ratio and 2D profiles; (2) utilisation of a method for re-projection of datasets and catalogues, which is very useful for craters that are very close to poles; and (3) the extension of the previous framework for evaluation of CDAs with datasets and ground-truth catalogue for the Moon.
Scaling craters in carbonates: Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of shock damage
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Polanskey, Carol A.; Ahrens, Thomas J.
1994-01-01
Carbonate samples from the 8.9-Mt nuclear (near-surface explosion) crater, OAK, and a terrestrial impact crater, Meteor Crater, were analyzed for shock damage using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Samples from below the OAK apparent crater floor were obtained from six boreholes, as well as ejecta recovered from the crater floor. The degree of shock damage in the carbonate material was assessed by comparing the sample spectra to the spectra of Solenhofen and Kaibab limestone, which had been skocked to known pressures. Analysis of the OAK Crater borehole samples has identified a thin zone of allocthonous highly shocked (10-13 GPa) carbonate material underneath the apparent crater floor. This approx. 5- to 15-m-thick zone occurs at a maximum depth of approx. 125 m below current seafloor at the borehole, sited at the initial position of the OAK explosive, and decreases in depth towards the apparent crater edge. Because this zone of allocthonous shocked rock delineates deformed rock below, and a breccia of mobilized sand and collapse debris above, it appears to outline the transient crater. The transient crater volume inferred in this way is found to by 3.2 +/- 0.2 times 10(exp 6)cu m, which is in good agreement with a volume of 5.3 times 10(exp 6)cu m inferred from gravity scaling of laboratory experiments. A layer of highly shocked material is also found near the surface outside the crater. The latter material could represent a fallout ejecta layer. The ejecta boulders recovered from the present crater floor experienced a range of shock pressures from approx. 0 to 15 GPa with the more heavily shocked samples all occurring between radii of 360 and approx. 600 m. Moreover, the fossil content, lithology and Sr isotopic composition all demonstrate that the initial position of the bulk of the heavily shocked rock ejecta sampled was originally near surface rock at initial depths in the 32 to 45-m depth (below sea level) range. The EPR technique is also sensitive to prehistoric shock damage. This is demonstrated by our study of shocked Kaibab limestone from the 49,000-year-old Meteor (Barringer) Crater Arizona.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Garvin, J. B.; Sakimoto, S. E. H.; Schnetzler, C.; Frawley, J. J.
1999-01-01
Impact craters on Mars have been used to provide fundamental insights into the properties of the martian crust, the role of volatiles, the relative age of the surface, and on the physics of impact cratering in the Solar System. Before the three-dimensional information provided by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) instrument which is currently operating in Mars orbit aboard the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), impact features were characterized morphologically using orbital images from Mariner 9 and Viking. Fresh-appearing craters were identified and measurements of their geometric properties were derived from various image-based methods. MOLA measurements can now provide a global sample of topographic cross-sections of martian impact features as small as approx. 2 km in diameter, to basin-scale features. We have previously examined MOLA cross-sections of Northern Hemisphere and North Polar Region impact features, but were unable to consider the global characteristics of these ubiquitous landforms. Here we present our preliminary assessment of the geometric properties of a globally-distributed sample of martian impact craters, most of which were sampled during the initial stages of the MGS mapping mission (i.e., the first 600 orbits). Our aim is to develop a framework for reconsidering theories concerning impact cratering in the martian environment. This first global analysis is focused upon topographically-fresh impact craters, defined here on the basis of MOLA topographic profiles that cross the central cavities of craters that can be observed in Viking-based MDIM global image mosaics. We have considered crater depths, rim heights, ejecta topologies, cross-sectional "shapes", and simple physical models for ejecta emplacement. To date (May, 1999), we have measured the geometric properties of over 1300 impact craters in the 2 to 350 km diameter size interval. A large fraction of these measured craters were sampled with cavity-center cross-sections during the first two months of MGS mapping. Many of these craters are included in Nadine Barlow's Catalogue of Martian Impact Craters, although we have treated simple craters smaller than about 7 km in greater detail than all previous investigations. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Young populations of small craters on Mars: A case study.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kreslavsky, M.
2008-09-01
Introduction The HiRISE camera imaged the Mars surface at scales that had never been studied before. Beside a host of other fascinating features, these images revealed small (diameter D down to 1 m) impact craters. In planetary geology, impact craters and properties of their populations have been used as valuable sources of information about surface history and geological processes. Small craters on Mars can potentially give essential information about young terrains on this planet, resurfacing rates at small scales and the most recent events in the geological history, first of all, the most recent climate changes. Very young crater populations are thought to be unaffected by distal secondary craters, because they are formed after the most recent secondary-forming event. However, extracting this information is not simple or straightforward. Here I illustrate these difficulties and ways of overcoming them using a population of small craters on ejecta of crater Zunil as an example. Population of small craters on Zunil ejecta Terrain I used HiRISE images PSP_001764_1880 and PSP_002397_1880. In these images I outlined an area (totally 52.8 km2) to NE, NW and SW of the crater limited by the toes of the outer walls of Zunil and the image boundaries. Terrain texture within the area is diverse; however, the area is entirely within the proximal ejecta lobes. The ejecta material was obviously emplaced as a result of the Zunil-forming impact and has a uniform age. The morphology of the surface indicates later resurfacing of steep slopes (over a small total area) and minor eolian modification of the terrain; some sub-areas might be modified by the post-impact hydrothermal activity. Crater population I registered diameters and positions of all impact craters in the area, a total of 1025 craters with D > 1.5 m. The largest of them has D = 20 m. Craters usually have no visible ejecta, which indicates some minor (perhaps, eolian) modification of the surface. Almost all craters have flat floors due to infill with loose material (only a few craters have pristine bowl-shaped floors). Thus, the most prominent process of crater modification is deposition of loose wind-transported material (sand and dust). However, the total number of recognisable craters with partly buried rims is small; it looks like the accumulation of sand and dust effectively fills depressions only, while the total accumulation is modest. This suggests that the number of obliterated craters is small, especially among larger craters. Clustering due to atmospheric break-up Some craters in the population form more or less tight clusters. These clusters are formed due to the break-up of projectiles in the atmosphere [1]. The morphology of overlapping craters is perfectly consistent with simultaneous impacts of fragments of the same projectile. The largest cluster contains 44 craters and reaches ~400 m in size, which is noticeably greater than predicted for the atmospheric break-up in [1] (~50 m) and observed for 20 impacts that have occurred during the last decade [2] (<100 m, [1]). The largest cluster(s) can be a superposition of two clusters formed by different projectiles, or the separation of the fragments can be greater due to periods of higher atmospheric pressure in the recent past. For the purposes of age estimates each cluster should be considered as a single impact event. I ran a "clustering" algorithm, which repeatedly searches for the tightest pair of craters and replaces it with an "effective" crater with diameter Deff = (D1 3+D2 3)1/3 located between the original craters. The process was stopped when the separation between craters in the tightest pair reached 40 m. This limit was consistently deduced from: (1) visual comparison of plots of frequency distributions of the nearest-neighbourdistance for the actual population and simulated purely random spatial scattering; (2) application of the "clustering" algorithm to purely random simulations and comparison of the frequency distributions of the nearest-neighbour-distance with the result for the actual population; (3) results of modelling of atmospheric break-up [1]. The "clustering" algorithm resulted in a population of 698 craters and "effective" craters representing clusters. For some clusters the 40 m separation limit is insufficient; for example, the largest cluster after applying the "clustering" algorithm is reduced to 3 "effective" craters and 1 single crater. On the other hand, comparison with the purely random simulations shows that several pairs in the population are merged erroneously (they have a small separation just by chance). The error in the total number of independent impact events, however, is well below 10%. For denser populations of small craters (for older terrains) the overlap of clusters produced by different projectiles would preclude identification of individual impact events; this would bring much greater uncertainty in the age considerations. The majority of the craters after the "clustering" procedure remain single. Among clusters identified by the "clustering" algorithm, pairs dominate. Only 23 formally identified clusters contain 5 or more craters. Among 19 craters with Deff > 10 m, 12 are "effective" craters representing pairs or multiple craters. This proportion is lower than observed for the latest impacts [1]; in the latter case craters smaller than 1.5 m are identifiable [1]; this explains the discrepancy. Spatial randomness To test spatial randomness I compared some statistics of the actual population and a set of simulated purely random populations, all having undergone the "clustering" algorithm. In particular, I used the standard deviation of the nearest neighbour distance and the interquartile amplitude of the adjacent area (see [3] for details). These tests do not reject spatial randomness of the actual population. Size-frequency distribution I applied the technique from [4] to find simultaneously the maximum-likelihood power-law fit for the cumulative size-frequency distribution (SFD) (after "clustering") and its low-diameter cut-off Dmin. This technique gave a rather good fit for Dmin = 4.85 - 4.95 m and power-law exponent α = 3.16 - 3.20. The latter values coincide perfectly with the typical slope of the Neukum production function (NPF) for Mars [5] for the smallest diameters D < 100 m (the NPF has been defined only for D > 10 m). Thus, my observations give grounds for power-law extrapolation of the NPF down to D = 5 m. For D < 5 m the observed SFD is progressively gentler, which can be caused by difficulty in identification of small craters in rough terrains and possible obliteration (burial) of small craters. Age constraints from the crater population The density of craters larger than D N(D) has been widely used to establish stratigraphic relationships between terrains and to estimate absolute ages. Such inferences assume that crater emplacement can be considered as a Poisson process with a known rate R(D) per unit area. The use of N(D), however, is not straightforward; many additional considerations are necessary for meaningful and reliable inferences. Crater obliteration. N(D) gives an estimate of the crater retention age. We can identify this age with the terrain age, if we have reasons to neglect obliteration of craters. A steep SFD is a good reason for such an assumption: the crater obliteration rate is higher for smaller craters, and if the obliteration is significant, one should expect the resulting SFD to be gentler than the production function. For the case of Zunil ejecta, the SFD suggests the use of N(D=5m). Morphological observations (see above) also suggest minor crater obliteration; nevertheless, some crater rims can be buried, and it is probable that N(D=5m) underestimates the terrain age. My subjective guess based on the morphology is that this bias is less than ~20-30%. Formal statistical error. The observed number of craters M(D) = A N(D) in an area A can be used to obtain a confidence interval for the average crater retention age T: 1(1- ; ) < ṡ ṡ < -1( ; +1) Γ - FΓ p M T A R F p M , where R is the cratering rate (assumed to be known), p is the confidence level, for example, 0.9 or 0.95 or 0.99, and -1(ṡ ; ṡ) FΓ is the inverse cumulative gamma distribution. For a large number of craters, practically, for M > 10, this confidence interval is well approximated by the traditionally used M error bars: M - Fn-1( p) M < T ṡ Aṡ R < M + Fn-1( p) M , where -1(ṡ) Fn is the inverse cumulative standard normal distribution. For the case of the Zunil ejecta, M = 175 (D > 5m), and the age "error bar" is ±12%, assuming p = 0.95. This formal statistical error is comparable or smaller than the possible bias due to crater obliteration. Cratering rate variations. The magnitude and time scales of cratering rate variations are unknown and produce the main uncertainty in stratigraphic inferences from crater populations. If compact meteorite swarms contribute significantly to the rate, significant temporal and spatial variations of the rate could occur. Thus, such inferences are "meaningful with caution". Absolute rate and age. R(D=5m) is unknown, but can be estimated in two ways. Extrapolation of the NPF with the power law (α = 3.2) gives R(5m) = 19 km-2Ma-1, which gives Zunil impact age TZ = 180 ka. Note that rescaling of the NPF from the Moon to Mars is accurate only within a factor of 2 [5], and the use of the NPF actually means a far extrapolation from the 100s Ma scale down to the ~100s ka scale. On the other hand, R(10 m) can be estimated from the new craters formed during the last decade [2] with a correction needed for spatial randomness [3]. Extrapolation of this rate with the power law (α = 3.2) gives R(5m) > 6 km-2Ma-1 with > ±30% formal statistical uncertainty, which gives TZ < 540 ka. Note that this constraint actually means a far extrapolation from the ~10 a scale down to the ~100s ka scale. Given all the uncertainties, the two extrapolations of R(5m) are wonderfully consistent. In addition, the inferred age is perfectly consistent with Zunil being the youngest (or, less probable, the 2nd youngest) crater with D > 10 km on the planet. References [1] Ivanov, B. et al. (2008) LPS XXXIX, #1221. [2] Malin, M. et al. (2006) Science, 314, 1573-1577. [3] Kreslavsky, M. (2007) 7th Mars Conf., #3325. [4] Clauset, A. (2007) arXiv:0706.1062v1. [5] Ivanov, B. (2001) Space Sci. Rev., 96, 87-104.
Moon-Mercury - Relative preservation states of secondary craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scott, D. H.
1977-01-01
Geologic studies including mapping of the Kuiper quadrangle of Mercury suggest that secondary craters are much better preserved than those on the moon. Factors which may account for the apparent differences between lunar and Mercurian secondary crater morphology include: (1) the rapid isostatic adjustment of the parent crater, (2) different impact fluxes of the two planets, (3) the greater concentration of Mercurian secondaries around impact areas, and (4) differences in crater ejection velocities. It has been shown that the ejection velocities on Mercury are about 50% greater than those on the moon at equivalent ranges. This may account for morphologically enhanced secondary craters, and may explain their better preservation with time.
Theoretical cratering rates on Ida, Mathilde, Eros and Gaspra
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jeffers, S. V.; Asher, D. J.; Bailey, M. E.
2002-11-01
We investigate the main influences on crater size distributions, by deriving results for the four example target objects, (951) Gaspra, (243) Ida, (253) Mathilde and (433) Eros. The dynamical history of each of these asteroids is modelled using the MERCURY (Chambers 1999) numerical integrator. The use of an efficient, Öpik-type, collision code enables the calculation of a velocity histogram and the probability of impact. This when combined with a crater scaling law and an impactor size distribution, through a Monte Carlo method, results in a crater size distribution. The resulting crater probability distributions are in good agreement with observed crater distributions on these asteroids.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roddy, D. J.; Ullrich, G. W.; Sauer, F. M.; Jones, G. H. S.
1977-01-01
Cratering motions and structural deformation are described for the rim of the Prairie Flat multiring crater, 85.5 m across and 5.3 m deep, which was formed by the detonation of a 500-ton TNT surface-tangent sphere. The terminal displacement and motion data are derived from marker cans and velocity gages emplaced in drill holes in a three-dimensional matrix radial to the crater. The integration of this data with a detailed geologic cross section, mapped from deep trench excavations through the rim, provides a composite view of the general sequence of motions that formed a transiently uplifted rim, overturned flap, inverted stratigraphy, downfolded rim, and deformed strata in the crater walls. Preliminary comparisons with laboratory experimental cratering and with numerical simulations indicate that explosion craters of the Prairie Flat-type generated by surface and near-surface energy sources tend to follow predictable motion sequences and produce comparable structural deformation. More specifically, central uplift and multiring impact craters with morphologies and structures comparable to Prairie Flat are inferred to have experienced similar deformational histories of the rim, such as uplift, overturning, terracing, and downfolding.
The morphology of small fresh craters on Mars and the Moon
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Daubar, Ingrid J.; Atwood-Stone, C.; Byrne, S.; McEwen, A. S.; Russell, P. S.
2014-12-01
The depth/diameter ratio for new meter- to decameter-scale Martian craters formed in the last ~20 years averages 0.23, only slightly deeper than that expected for simple primary craters on rocky surfaces. Large variations in depth/diameter (d/D) between impact sites indicate that differences between the sites such as target material properties, impact velocity, angle, and physical state of the bolide(s) are important in determining the depth of small craters in the strength regime. On the Moon, the d/D of random fresh small craters with similar diameters averages only 0.10, indicating that either the majority of them are unrecognized secondaries or some proportion are degraded primaries. Older craters such as these may be shallower due to erosional infilling, which is probably not linear over time but more effective over recently disturbed and steeper surfaces, processes that are not yet acting on the new Martian craters. Brand new meter- to decameter-scale craters such as the Martian ones studied here are statistically easily distinguishable as primaries, but the origins of older craters of the same size, such as the lunar ones in this study, are ambiguous.
A history of the Lonar crater, India: An overview
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nayak, V. K.
1992-01-01
The origin of the circular structure at Lonar, India, described variously as cauldron, pit, hollow, depression, and crater, has been a controversial subject since the early nineteenth century. A history of its origin and other aspects from 1823 to 1990 are overviewed. The structure in the Deccan Trap Basalt is nearly circular with a breach in the northeast, 1830 m in diameter, 150 m deep, with a saline lake in the crater floor. Over the years, the origin of the Lonar structure has risen from volcanism, subsidence, and cryptovolcanism to an authentic meteorite impact crater. Lonar is unique because it is probably the only terrestrial crater in basalt and is the closest analog with the Moon's craters. Some unresolved questions are suggested. The proposal is made that the young Lonar impact crater, which is less than 50,000 years old, should be considered as the best crater laboratory analogous to those of the Moon, be treated as a global monument, and preserved for scientists to comprehend more about the mysteries of nature and impact cratering, which is now emerging as a fundamental ubiquitous geological process in the evolution of the planets.
Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Impacts: Modeling and Observations
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
This document covers the following topics: Cratering on Titan: Projectiles, Craters and Impact Melt; The Cratering Database: Making Code Jockeys Honest; Popigai Impact Structure Modeling: Morphology and Worldwide Ejecta; Anhydrite EOS and Phase Diagram in Relation to Shock Decomposition; Computational Investigations of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure; Hydrocode Simulations of the Chesapeake Bay Impact; Lockne Crater as a Result of Oblique Impact; The Influence of a Deep Shelf Sea on the Excavation and Modification of a Marine-Target Crater, the Lockne Crater, Central Sweden; Pre-Drilling Investigation of the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater: Constraints from Geophysics and Numerical Modelling; Central Uplift Formation at the Middlesboro Impact Structure, Kentucky, USA; A SRTM Investigation of Serra da Cangalho Impact Structure, Brazil; Brazilian Impact Craters: A Review; Flynn Creek Impact Structure: New Insights from Breccias, Melt Features, Shatter Cones, and Remote Sensing; The Howell Structure, Lincoln County, Tennessee: A Review of Past and Current Research; After the Chicxulub Impact: Control on Depositional and Diagenetic History of the Cenozoic Carbonate Formations of the Northwestern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; Ni Contents by Non-Destructive In-Situ XRF Method of Takamatsu-Kagawa Crater District in Japan; and Akiyoshi Limestone Blocks Transported by the P/T Boundary Event to Japan Islands.
Processes Modifying Cratered Terrains on Pluto
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Moore, J. M.
2015-01-01
The July encounter with Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft permitted imaging of its cratered terrains with scales as high as approximately 100 m/pixel, and in stereo. In the initial download of images, acquired at 2.2 km/pixel, widely distributed impact craters up to 260 km diameter are seen in the near-encounter hemisphere. Many of the craters appear to be significantly degraded or infilled. Some craters appear partially destroyed, perhaps by erosion such as associated with the retreat of scarps. Bright ice-rich deposits highlight some crater rims and/or floors. While the cratered terrains identified in the initial downloaded images are generally seen on high-to-intermediate albedo surfaces, the dark equatorial terrain informally known as Cthulhu Regio is also densely cratered. We will explore the range of possible processes that might have operated (or still be operating) to modify the landscape from that of an ancient pristinely cratered state to the present terrains revealed in New Horizons images. The sequence, intensity, and type of processes that have modified ancient landscapes are, among other things, the record of climate and volatile evolution throughout much of the Pluto's existence. The deciphering of this record will be discussed. This work was supported by NASA's New Horizons project.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cintala, M. J.; Wood, C. A.; Head, J. W.
1977-01-01
The results are reported of an analysis of the characteristics of fresh crater samples occurring on the two major geologic units on the moon (maria and highlands) and on Mercury (smooth plains and cratered terrain). In particular, the onset diameters and abundances of central peaks and terraces are examined and compared for both geologic units on each planet in order to detect any variations that might be due to geologic unit characteristics. The analysis of lunar crater characteristics is based on information provided in the LPL Catalog of Lunar Craters of Wood and Andersson (1977). The Mercurian data set utilized is related to a program involving the cataloguing of Mercurian craters visible in Mariner 10 photography. It is concluded that the characteristics of the substrate have exerted a measurable influence on the occurrence of central peaks, terraces, and scallops in flash crater samples. Therefore, in order to compare the morphologic characteristics of fresh crater populations between planets, an analysis of possible substrate-related differences must first be undertaken for each planet under consideration. It is suggested that large variations in gravity do not produce major variations in crater wall failure.
Compound maar crater and co-eruptive scoria cone in the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field (Nevada, USA)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Amin, Jamal; Valentine, Greg A.
2017-06-01
Bea's Crater (Lunar Crater Volcanic Field, Nevada, USA) consists of two coalesced maar craters with diameters of 440 m and 1050 m, combined with a co-eruptive scoria cone that straddles the northeast rim of the larger crater. The two craters and the cone form an alignment that parallels many local and regional structures such as normal faults, and is interpreted to represent the orientation of the feeder dyke near the surface. The maar formed among a dense cluster of scoria cones; the cone-cluster topography resulted in crater rim that has a variable elevation. These older cones are composed of variably welded agglomerate and scoria with differing competence that subsequently affected the shape of Bea's Crater. Tephra ring deposits associated with phreatomagmatic maar-forming eruptions are rich in basaltic lithics derived from < 250 m depth, with variable contents of deeper-seated ignimbrite lithic clasts, consistent with ejection from relatively shallow explosions although a diatreme might extend to deeper levels beneath the maar. Interbedding of deposits on the northeastern cone and in the tephra ring record variations in the magmatic volatile driven and phreatomagmatic eruption styles in both space and time along a feeder dike.
Impact melting early in lunar history
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lange, M. A.; Ahrens, T. J.
1979-01-01
The total amount of impact melt produced during early lunar history is examined in light of theoretically and experimentally determined relations between crater diameter (D) and impact melt volume. The time dependence of the melt production is given by the time dependent impact rate as derived from cratering statistics for two different crater-size classes. Results show that small scale cratering (D less than or equal to 30 km) leads to melt volumes which fit selected observations specifying the amount of impact melt contained in the lunar regolith and in craters with diameters less than 10 km. Larger craters (D greater than 30 km) are capable of forming the abundant impact melt breccias found on the lunar surface. The group of large craters (D greater than 30 km) produces nearly 10 times as much impact melt as all the smaller craters, and thus, the large impacts dominate the modification of the lunar surface. A contradiction between the distribution of radiometric rock ages and a model of exponentially decreasing cratering rate going back to 4.5 b.y. is reflected in uncertainty in the distribution of impact melt as a function of time on the moon.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Williams, David A.; Denevi, Brett W.; Mittlefehldt, David W.; Mest, Scott C.; Schenk, Paul M.; Yingst, R. Aileen; Buczowski, Debra L.; Scully, Jennifer E. C.; Garry, W. Brent; McCord, Thomas B.;
2014-01-01
We used Dawn spacecraft data to identify and delineate geological units and landforms in the Marcia quadrangle of Vesta as a means to assess the role of the large, relatively young impact craters Marcia (approximately 63 kilometers diameter) and Calpurnia (approximately 53 kilometers diameter) and their surrounding ejecta field on the local geology. We also investigated a local topographic high with a dark-rayed crater named Aricia Tholus, and the impact crater Octavia that is surrounded by a distinctive diffuse mantle. Crater counts and stratigraphic relations suggest that Marcia is the youngest large crater on Vesta, in which a putative impact melt on the crater floor ranges in age between approximately 40 and 60 million years (depending upon choice of chronology system), and Marcia's ejecta blanket ranges in age between approximately 120 and 390 million years (depending upon choice of chronology system). We interpret the geologic units in and around Marcia crater to mark a major Vestan time-stratigraphic event, and that the Marcia Formation is one of the geologically youngest formations on Vesta. Marcia crater reveals pristine bright and dark material in its walls and smooth and pitted terrains on its floor. The smooth unit we interpret as evidence of flow of impact melts and (for the pitted terrain) release of volatiles during or after the impact process. The distinctive dark ejecta surrounding craters Marcia and Calpurnia is enriched in OH- or H-bearing phases and has a variable morphology, suggestive of a complex mixture of impact ejecta and impact melts including dark materials possibly derived from carbonaceous chondrite-rich material. Aricia Tholus, which was originally interpreted as a putative Vestan volcanic edifice based on lower resolution observations, appears to be a fragment of an ancient impact basin rim topped by a dark-rayed impact crater. Octavia crater has a cratering model formation age of approximately 280-990 million years based on counts of its ejecta field (depending upon choice of chronology system), and its ejecta field is the second oldest unit in this quadrangle. The relatively young craters and their related ejecta materials in this quadrangle are in stark contrast to the surrounding heavily cratered units that are related to the billion years old or older Rheasilvia and Veneneia impact basins and Vesta's ancient crust preserved on Vestalia Terra.
Coesite from Wabar crater, near Al Hadida, Arabia
Chao, E.C.T.; Fahey, J.J.; Littler, J.
1961-01-01
The third natural occurrence of coesite, the high pressure polymorph of silica, is found at the Wabar meteorite crater, Arabia. The Wabar crater is about 300 feet in diameter and about 40 feet deep. It is the smallest of three craters where coesite has been found.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kanda, Wataru; Tanaka, Yoshikazu; Utsugi, Mitsuru; Takakura, Shinichi; Hashimoto, Takeshi; Inoue, Hiroyuki
2008-11-01
The 1st crater of Naka-dake, Aso volcano, is one of the most active craters in Japan, and known to have a characteristic cycle of activity that consists of the formation of a crater lake, drying-up of the lake water, and finally a Strombolian-type eruption. Recent observations indicate an increase in eruptive activity including a decrease in the level of the lake water, mud eruptions, and red hot glows on the crater wall. Temporal variations in the geomagnetic field observed around the craters of Naka-dake also indicate that thermal demagnetization of the subsurface rocks has been occurring in shallow subsurface areas around the 1st crater. Volcanic explosions act to release the energy transferred from magma or volcanic fluids. Measurement of the subsurface electrical resistivity is a promising method in investigating the shallow structure of the volcanic edifices, where energy from various sources accumulates, and in investigating the behaviors of magma and volcanic fluids. We carried out audio-frequency magnetotelluric surveys around the craters of Naka-dake in 2004 and 2005 to determine the detailed electrical structure down to a depth of around 1 km. The main objective of this study is to identify the specific subsurface structure that acts to store energy as a preparation zone for volcanic eruption. Two-dimensional inversions were applied to four profiles across the craters, revealing a strongly conductive zone at several hundred meters depth beneath the 1st crater and surrounding area. In contrast, we found no such remarkable conductor at shallow depths beneath the 4th crater, which has been inactive for 70 years, finding instead a relatively resistive body. The distribution of the rotational invariant of the magnetotelluric impedance tensor is consistent with the inversion results. This unusual shallow structure probably reflects the existence of a supply path of high-temperature volcanic gases to the crater bottom. We propose that the upper part of the conductor identified beneath the 1st crater is mainly composed of hydrothermally altered zone that acts both as a cap to upwelling fluids supplied from deep-level magma and as a floor to infiltrating fluid from the crater lake. The relatively resistive body found beneath the 4th crater represents consolidated magma. These results suggest that the shallow conductor beneath the active crater is closely related to a component of the mechanism that controls volcanic activity within Naka-dake.
Stratigraphic architecture of bedrock reference section, Victoria Crater, Meridiani Planum, Mars
Edgar, Lauren A.; Grotzinger, John P.; Hayes, Alex G.; Rubin, David M.; Squyres, Steve W.; Bell, James F.; Herkenhoff, Ken E.
2012-01-01
The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has investigated bedrock outcrops exposed in several craters at Meridiani Planum, Mars, in an effort to better understand the role of surface processes in its geologic history. Opportunity has recently completed its observations of Victoria crater, which is 750 m in diameter and exposes cliffs up to ~15 m high. The plains surrounding Victoria crater are ~10 m higher in elevation than those surrounding the previously explored Endurance crater, indicating that the Victoria crater exposes a stratigraphically higher section than does the Endurance crater; however, Victoria strata overlap in elevation with the rocks exposed at the Erebus crater. Victoria crater has a well-developed geomorphic pattern of promontories and embayments that define the crater wall and that reveal thick bedsets (3–7m) of large-scale cross-bedding, interpreted as fossil eolian dunes. Opportunity was able to drive into the crater at Duck Bay, located on the western margin of Victoria crater. Data from the Microscopic Imager and Panoramic Camera reveal details about the structures, textures, and depositional and diagenetic events that influenced the Victoria bedrock. A lithostratigraphic subdivision of bedrock units was enabled by the presence of a light-toned band that lines much of the upper rim of the crater. In ascending order, three stratigraphic units are named Lyell, Smith, and Steno; Smith is the light-toned band. In the Reference Section exposed along the ingress path at Duck Bay, Smith is interpreted to represent a zone of diagenetic recrystallization; however, its upper contact also coincides with a primary erosional surface. Elsewhere in the crater the diagenetic band crosscuts the physical stratigraphy. Correlation with strata present at nearby promontory Cape Verde indicates that there is an erosional surface at the base of the cliff face that corresponds to the erosional contact below Steno. The erosional contact at the base of Cape Verde lies at a lower elevation, but within the same plane as the contact below Steno, which indicates that the material above the erosional contact was built on significant depositional paleotopography. The eolian dune forms exposed in Duck Bay and Cape Verde, combined with the geometry of the erosional surface, indicate that these outcrops may be part of a larger-scale draa architecture. This insight is possible only as a result of the larger-scale exposures at Victoria crater, which significantly exceed the more limited exposures at the Erebus, Endurance, and Eagle craters.
2017-06-01
This image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows an elongated depression from three merged craters. The raised rims and ejecta indicate that these are impact craters rather than collapse or volcanic landforms. The pattern made by the ejecta and the craters suggest this was a highly oblique (low angle to the surface) impact, probably coming from the west. There may have been three major pieces flying in close formation to make this triple crater. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21652
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Leake, M. A.
1982-01-01
Planetary imagery techniques, errors in measurement or degradation assignment, and statistical formulas are presented with respect to cratering data. Base map photograph preparation, measurement of crater diameters and sampled area, and instruments used are discussed. Possible uncertainties, such as Sun angle, scale factors, degradation classification, and biases in crater recognition are discussed. The mathematical formulas used in crater statistics are presented.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Blois, Gianluca; Kim, Taehoon; Bristow, Nathan; Day, Mackenzie; Kocurek, Gary; Anderson, William; Christensen, Kenneth
2017-11-01
Impact craters, common large-scale topographic features on the surface of Mars, are circular depressions delimited by a sharp ridge. A variety of crater fill morphologies exist, suggesting that complex intracrater circulations affect their evolution. Some large craters (diameter >10 km), particularly at mid latitudes on Mars, exhibit a central mound surrounded by circular moat. Foremost among these examples is Gale crater, landing site of NASA's Curiosity rover, since large-scale climatic processes early in in the history of Mars are preserved in the stratigraphic record of the inner mound. Investigating the intracrater flow produced by large scale winds aloft Mars craters is key to a number of important scientific issues including ongoing research on Mars paleo-environmental reconstruction and the planning of future missions (these results must be viewed in conjunction with the affects of radial katabatibc flows, the importance of which is already established in preceding studies). In this work we consider a number of crater shapes inspired by Gale morphology, including idealized craters. Access to the flow field within such geometrically complex topography is achieved herein using a refractive index matched approach. Instantaneous velocity maps, using both planar and volumetric PIV techniques, are presented to elucidate complex three-dimensional flow within the crater. In addition, first- and second-order statistics will be discussed in the context of wind-driven (aeolian) excavation of crater fill.
Structural Evolution of Martin Crater Thaumasia Planum, Mars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dolan, Daniel J.
A detailed structural map of the central uplift of Martin Crater in western Thaumasia Planum, Mars, reveals highly folded and fractured geology throughout the 15-km diameter uplift. The stratigraphy in the central uplift of the crater has been rotated to near vertical dip and imaged by high-definition cameras aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). These unique factors allow individual geologic beds in Martin Crater to be studied and located across the length of the uplift. Bedding in Martin Crater primarily strikes SSE-NNW and dips near vertically. Many units are separated by a highly complex series of linear faults, creating megablocks of uplifted material. Faulting is dominantly left-slip in surface expression and strikes SW-NE, roughly perpendicular to bedding, and major fold axes plunge toward the SW. Coupled with infrared imagery of the ejecta blanket, which shows an "exclusion zone" northeast of the crater, these structural indicators provide strong support for a low-angle impactor (approximately 10-20°) originating from the northeast. Acoustic fluidization is the prevailing theoretical model put forth to explain complex crater uplift. The theory predicts that uplifted megablocks in craters are small, discrete, separated and highly randomized in orientation. However, megablocks in Martin Crater are tightly interlocked and often continuous in lithology across several kilometers. Thus, the model of acoustic fluidization, as it is currently formulated, does not appear to be supported by the structural evidence found in Martin Crater.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bristow, N.; Blois, G.; Kim, T.; Anderson, W.; Day, M. D.; Kocurek, G.; Christensen, K. T.
2017-12-01
Impact craters, common large-scale topographic features on the surface of Mars, are circular depressions delimited by a sharp ridge. A variety of crater fill morphologies exist, suggesting that complex intracrater circulations affect their evolution. Some large craters (diameter > 10 km), particularly at mid latitudes on Mars, exhibit a central mound surrounded by circular moat. Foremost among these examples is Gale crater, landing site of NASA's Curiosity rover, since large-scale climatic processes early in in the history of Mars are preserved in the stratigraphic record of the inner mound. Investigating the intracrater flow produced by large scale winds aloft Mars craters is key to a number of important scientific issues including ongoing research on Mars paleo-environmental reconstruction and the planning of future missions (these results must be viewed in conjunction with the affects of radial katabatibc flows, the importance of which is already established in preceding studies). In this work we consider a number of crater shapes inspired by Gale morphology, including idealized craters. Access to the flow field within such geometrically complex topography is achieved herein using a refractive index matched approach. Instantaneous velocity maps, using both planar and volumetric PIV techniques, are presented to elucidate complex three-dimensional flow within the crater. In addition, first- and second-order statistics will be discussed in the context of wind-driven (aeolian) excavation of crater fill.
Secondary Craters in Bas Relief
2017-04-17
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured this region of Mars, sprayed with secondary craters from 10-kilometer Zunil Crater to the northwest. Secondary craters form from rocks ejected at high speed from the primary crater, which then impact the ground at sufficiently high speed to make huge numbers of much smaller craters over a large region. In this scene, however, the secondary crater ejecta has an unusual raised-relief appearance like bas-relief sculpture. How did that happen? One idea is that the region was covered with a layer of fine-grained materials like dust or pyroclastics about 1 to 2 meters thick when the Zunil impact occurred (about a million years ago), and the ejecta served to harden or otherwise protect the fine-grained layer from later erosion by the wind. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21591
2017-12-14
This image obtained by NASA's Dawn spacecraft shows a field of small craters next to Kokopelli Crater, seen at bottom right in this image, on dwarf planet Ceres. The small craters overlay a smooth, wavy material that represents ejecta from nearby Dantu Crater. The small craters were formed by blocks ejected in the Dantu impact event, and likely from the Kokopelli impact as well. Kokopelli is named after the fertility deity who presides over agriculture in the tradition of the Pueblo people from the southwestern United States. The crater measures 21 miles (34 kilometers) in diameter. Dawn took this image during its first extended mission on August 11, 2016, from its low-altitude mapping orbit, at about 240 miles (385 kilometers) above the surface. The center coordinates of this image are 20 degrees north latitude, 123 degrees east longitude. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21915
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roddy, D. J.
1979-01-01
The geologic and core drilling studies described in the present paper show that the Flynn Creek crater has such distinctive morphological features as a broad flat hummocky floor; large central peak; locally terraced crater walls; uplifted, as well as flat-lying rim segments; and a surrounding ejecta blanket. The major structural features include a shallow depth of total brecciation and excavation as compared with apparent crater diameter; a thin breccia lens underlain by a thin zone of disrupted strata; concentric ring fault zones in inner rim, beneath crater wall, and outer crater floor regions; a large central uplift underlain by a narrow dipping zone of deeply disrupted strata; faulted, folded, brecciated, and fractured rim strata; and uplifted rim strata, which dip away from the crater, and flat-lying rim strata, which terminate as inward dipping rocks.
2017-06-28
Yalode crater is so large -- at 162 miles, 260 kilometers in diameter -- that a variety of vantage points is necessary to understand its geological context. This view of the northern portion of Yalode is one of many images NASA's Dawn spacecraft has taken of this crater. The large impact that formed the crater likely involved a lot of heat, which explains the relatively smooth crater floor punctuated by smaller craters. A couple of larger craters in Yalode have polygonal shapes. This type of crater shape is frequently found on Ceres and may be indicative of extensive underground fractures. The larger crater to the right of center in this image is called Lono (12 miles, 20 kilometers in diameter) and the one below it is called Besua (11 miles, 17 kilometers). Some of the small craters are accompanied by ejecta blankets that are more reflective than their surroundings. The strange Nar Sulcus fractures can be seen in the bottom left corner of the picture. Linear features seen throughout the image may have formed when material collapsed above empty spaces underground. These linear features include linear chains of craters called catenae. Dawn took this image on September 27, 2015, from 915 miles (1,470 kilometers) altitude. The center coordinates of this image are 32 degrees south latitude and 300 degrees east longitude. Yalode gets its name from a goddess worshipped by women at the harvest rites in the Dahomey culture of western Africa. Besua takes its name from the Egyptian grain god, and Lono from the Hawaiian god of agriculture. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21410
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Graettinger, A. H.
2018-05-01
A maar crater is the top of a much larger subsurface diatreme structure produced by phreatomagmatic explosions and the size and shape of the crater reflects the growth history of that structure during an eruption. Recent experimental and geophysical research has shown that crater complexity can reflect subsurface complexity. Morphometry provides a means of characterizing a global population of maar craters in order to establish the typical size and shape of features. A global database of Quaternary maar crater planform morphometry indicates that maar craters are typically not circular and frequently have compound shapes resembling overlapping circles. Maar craters occur in volcanic fields that contain both small volume and complex volcanoes. The global perspective provided by the database shows that maars are common in many volcanic and tectonic settings producing a similar diversity of size and shape within and between volcanic fields. A few exceptional populations of maars were revealed by the database, highlighting directions of future research to improve our understanding on the geometry and spacing of subsurface explosions that produce maars. These outlying populations, such as anomalously large craters (>3000 m), chains of maars, and volcanic fields composed of mostly maar craters each represent a small portion of the database, but provide opportunities to reinvestigate fundamental questions on maar formation. Maar crater morphometry can be integrated with structural, hydrological studies to investigate lateral migration of phreatomagmatic explosion location in the subsurface. A comprehensive database of intact maar morphometry is also beneficial for the hunt for maar-diatremes on other planets.
Ganymede Impact Crater Morphology as Revealed by Galileo
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Weitz, C. M.; Head, J. W.; Pappalardo, R.; Chapman, C.; Greeley, R.; Helfenstein, P.; Neukum, G.; Galileo SSI Team
1997-07-01
We have used the Galileo G1, G2, G7, and G8 images to study the morpholo- gy and degradation of impact craters on Ganymede. Results from the G1 and G2 data showed three types of degradation states: pristine, partially degraded, and heavily degraded. With the more recent G7 and G8 images, there are now several other distinct crater morphologies that we have identified. Enki Catena is about 120 km in length and consists of 13 attached impact craters. The six craters in the chain that impacted onto the bright terrain have visible bright ejecta while those that impacted onto the dark terrain have barely visible ejecta. Kittu crater is about 15 km in diameter and it has a bright central peak surrounded by a bright floor and hummocky wall material. The crater rim in the north is linear in appearance at the location that corresponds to the boundary between the groove terrain and the adjacent dark terrain, indicating structural control by the underlying topography. The dark rays that are easily seen in the Voyager images are barely visible in the Galileo image. Neith crater has a central fractured dome surrounded by a jagged central ring, smoother outer ejecta facies, and less prominent outer rings. Achelous crater and its neighbor, which were imaged at low sun angle to show topography, have smooth floors and subdued pedestal ejecta. Nicholson Regio has tectonically disrupted craters on the groove and fractured terrains while the surrounding smoother dark terrain has numerous degrad- ed craters that may indicate burial by resurfacing or by regolith development.
Einstein and Einstein A: A Study in Crater Morphology
2017-12-08
NASA image release May 14, 2010 Einstein and Einstein A: A Study in Crater Morphology Located on the western limb of the Moon, Einstein and Einstein A craters (16.3oN, 271.3oE ) are only visible to Earth-based observers during certain lunar lighting and orientation conditions. Einstein A is younger than Einstein, as indicated by the fact that it lies squarely in the middle of the floor of Einstein. When viewed in topographic data, these two craters reveal much about the relative age and shape of an impact crater. To understand further, let's first take a look at Einstein. Einstein is a fairly large crater that spans 198 km across. A crater's size alone however cannot reveal much about age. ÊEinstein's relative age can be determined by examining the frequency and distribution of impact craters overprinted on its rim and floor. Younger craters have had fewer impacts, which enables them to retain their original morphology. Einstein A reveals most of its original structure, including a raised rim and ejecta blanket, and is therefore a relatively young crater as compared to Einstein, whose original structure has been somewhat degraded over time by smaller impacts. The Einstein craters were named after famed physicist, philosopher, and scientist Albert Einstein (1879-1955). To learn more go to: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/lola-... NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is home to the nation's largest organization of combined scientists, engineers and technologists that build spacecraft, instruments and new technology to study the Earth, the sun, our solar system, and the universe.
Investigating Mars: Kaiser Crater Dunes
2018-01-31
This VIS image of the floor of Kaiser Crater contains a large variety of sand dune shapes and sizes. The "whiter" material is the hard crater floor surface. Kaiser Crater is located in the southern hemisphere in the Noachis region west of Hellas Planitia. Kaiser Crater is just one of several large craters with extensive dune fields on the crater floor. Other nearby dune filled craters are Proctor, Russell, and Rabe. Kaiser Crater is 207 km (129 miles) in diameter. The dunes are located in the southern part of the crater floor. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 71,000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images! Orbit Number: 35430 Latitude: -46.8699 Longitude: 19.4731 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2009-12-09 14:09 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22263
How Small Can Impact Craters Be Detected at Large Scale by Automated Algorithms?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bandeira, L.; Machado, M.; Pina, P.; Marques, J. S.
2013-12-01
The last decade has seen a widespread publication of crater detection algorithms (CDA) with increasing detection performances. The adaptive nature of some of the algorithms [1] has permitting their use in the construction or update of global catalogues for Mars and the Moon. Nevertheless, the smallest craters detected in these situations by CDA have 10 pixels in diameter (or about 2 km in MOC-WA images) [2] or can go down to 16 pixels or 200 m in HRSC imagery [3]. The availability of Martian images with metric (HRSC and CTX) and centimetric (HiRISE) resolutions is permitting to unveil craters not perceived before, thus automated approaches seem a natural way of detecting the myriad of these structures. In this study we present the efforts, based on our previous algorithms [2-3] and new training strategies, to push the automated detection of craters to a dimensional threshold as close as possible to the detail that can be perceived on the images, something that has not been addressed yet in a systematic way. The approach is based on the selection of candidate regions of the images (portions that contain crescent highlight and shadow shapes indicating a possible presence of a crater) using mathematical morphology operators (connected operators of different sizes) and on the extraction of texture features (Haar-like) and classification by Adaboost, into crater and non-crater. This is a supervised approach, meaning that a training phase, in which manually labelled samples are provided, is necessary so the classifier can learn what crater and non-crater structures are. The algorithm is intensively tested in Martian HiRISE images, from different locations on the planet, in order to cover the largest surface types from the geological point view (different ages and crater densities) and also from the imaging or textural perspective (different degrees of smoothness/roughness). The quality of the detections obtained is clearly dependent on the dimension of the craters intended to be detected: the lower this limit is, the higher the false detection rates are. A detailed evaluation is performed with breakdown results by crater dimension and image or surface type, permitting to realize that automated detections in large crater datasets in HiRISE imagery datasets with 25cm/pixel resolution can be successfully done (high correct and low false positive detections) until a crater dimension of about 8-10 m or 32-40 pixels. [1] Martins L, Pina P. Marques JS, Silveira M, 2009, Crater detection by a boosting approach. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 6: 127-131. [2] Salamuniccar G, Loncaric S, Pina P. Bandeira L., Saraiva J, 2011, MA130301GT catalogue of Martian impact craters and advanced evaluation of crater detection algorithms using diverse topography and image datasets. Planetary and Space Science 59: 111-131. [3] Bandeira L, Ding W, Stepinski T, 2012, Detection of sub-kilometer craters in high resolution planetary images using shape and texture features. Advances in Space Research 49: 64-74.
Meteorite Sterlitamak -- A New Crater Forming Fall
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Petaev, M. I.
1992-07-01
The Sterlitamak meteorite fell on May 17, 1990 at 23h20m local time (17h20m GMT) and formed a crater in a field 20 km westward of the town of Sterlitamak (Petaev et al., 1991). Many witnesses in South Bashkiria saw a very bright fireball (up to -5 magnitude) moving from south to north at a ~45 degree angle to the horizon. Witnesses located ~2 km from the crater observed the fireball glowing right up to the time of impact, after which several explosions were heard. The crater was found on May 19. From witnesses' reports, the fresh crater was 4.5-5 m in depth and had sheer walls ~3 m in height below which was a conical talus surface with a hole in the center. The crater itself was surrounded by a continuous rim 60-70 cm in thickness and by radial ejecta. Our field team arrived at the crater on May 23, six days after its formation. We found the crater in rather good condition except for partial collapse of the rim, material from which had filled in the crater up to ~3 m from the surface. The western wall of the crater was composed of well-preserved brown loam with shale- like parting dipping 25-30 degrees away from the crater center. A large slip block of autogenic breccia was observed along the eastern crater wall. An allogenic breccia composed of a mixture of brown loam and black soil was traced to the depth of ~5 m from the surface. Outside the rim, the crater ejecta formed an asymmetric continuous blanket and distinct radial rays. The southern rays were shorter and thicker than the northern and eastern rays. About 2 dozen meteorite fragments, from several grams to several hundred grams in weight, were recovered in the crater vicinity. A search for other meteorite fragments or individuals at distances up to 1 km southward from the crater was unsuccessful. Two partly encrusted fragments (3 and 6 kg) with clear Widmanstatten pattern on a broken surface were found at a depth of ~8 m during crater excavation. In May of 1991 a 315-kg partly fragmented individual was recovered at a depth of ~12 m. This sample is a 50 x 45 x 28 cm block with front, rear and two adjoining lateral surfaces covered by regmaglypts and thick (~0.5 mm) fusion crust. The other two surfaces are very rough, contain no regmaglypts, and have a thinner fusion crust. The preimpact shape of the meteorite may be approximately modeled as a slab ~100 x 100 x 28 cm. An estimate of the projectile mass was made based on the crater dimensions. From the relationships between crater diameter and projectile mass determined for the Sikhote-Alin craters, the impact mass of the Sterlitamak meteorite is estimated at ~1 ton (Petaev, 1992). A separate estimate, based on cratering energy, yields a total mass of ~1.5 tons (Ivanov, Petaev, 1992). A comparison of the estimated projectile mass and the weight and morphology of the individual recovered suggests a fragmentation of the projectile in the atmosphere and the formation of the crater by the impact of an agglomeration of individuals. The other fragments of the projectile are still in the crater. REFERENCES Ivanov B.A., Petaev M.I. (1992) Lunar Planet. Sci. (abstract), 23, 573-574. Petaev M.I. (1992) Astron. Vestnik, #4, in press (in Russian) (English translation is named Solar System Research). Petaev M.I., Kisarev Yu.L., Mustafin Sh.A., Shakurov R.K., Pavlov A.V., Ivanov B.A. (1991) Lunar Planet. Sci. (abstract), 22, 1059-1060
Impact crater densities on volcanoes and coronae on venus: implications for volcanic resurfacing.
Namiki, N; Solomon, S C
1994-08-12
The density of impact craters on large volcanoes on Venus is half the average crater density for the planet. The crater density on some classes of coronae is not significantly different from the global average density, but coronae with extensive associated volcanic deposits have lower crater densities. These results are inconsistent with both single-age and steady-state models for global resurfacing and suggest that volcanoes and coronae with associated volcanism have been active on Venus over the last 500 million years.
The group of Macha craters in western Yakutia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gurov, E. P.; Gurova, E. P.
1998-02-01
The group of Macha impact craters in western Yakutia is represented by five crateriform structures from 60 to 300 m in diameter. The craters were formed in sandy strata of the Quaternary period and in underlying sedimentary rocks of Late Proterozoic ages. Shock metamorphic effects including planar features in quartz were established in the rocks from the craters. The age of the craters is 7315 ± 80 yr. The nature of the projectiles is not totally clear, although they might be iron meteoritic.
Centrifuge Impact Cratering Experiments
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schmidt, R. M.; Housen, K. R.; Bjorkman, M. D.
1985-01-01
The kinematics of crater growth, impact induced target flow fields and the generation of impact melt were determined. The feasibility of using scaling relationships for impact melt and crater dimensions to determine impactor size and velocity was studied. It is concluded that a coupling parameter determines both the quantity of melt and the crater dimensions for impact velocities greater than 10km/s. As a result impactor radius, a, or velocity, U cannot be determined individually, but only as a product in the form of a coupling parameter, delta U micron. The melt volume and crater volume scaling relations were applied to Brent crater. The transport of melt and the validity of the melt volume scaling relations are examined.
The Manicouagan impact structure - An analysis of its original dimensions and form
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grieve, R. A. F.; Head, J. W., III
1983-01-01
A reanalysis of the preerosional geology of the Canadian impact crater, Manicouagan, is presented. Although most of the current features of the annular moat are primarily a result of erosional processes, the original dimensions of the cavity have been determined to include a transient cavity 60 km in diam. The final floor of the crater was studied and found to be an impact melt-covered inner plateau 55 km in diam. Comparisons with similar crater bottoms on the moon are used to estimate a final crater rim diameter of 85-95 km. The inner plateau and relatively smooth deposits on the crater floor are noted to be most similar to the lunar crater Copernicus.
2015-12-23
This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft shows an interesting collection of kilometer-scale craters with flat and smooth floors. The craters themselves may be the result of secondary impacts, craters caused by debris from a distant larger impact. Since then, the surface has been significantly modified and reworked, muting the craters and flattening their floors. Presently, there are a few sand dunes and a broad overlay of a dusty soil mantle. This soil mantle occurs over much of the middle latitudes of Mars. Here, as elsewhere, the mantle covers these craters, but a closer inspection reveals that its smooth texture becomes significantly pitted and bumpy on the pole facing slopes of each crater interior wall. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20288
Morphometric analysis of a fresh simple crater on the Moon.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vivaldi, V.; Ninfo, A.; Massironi, M.; Martellato, E.; Cremonese, G.
In this research we are proposing an innovative method to determine and quantify the morphology of a simple fresh impact crater. Linné is a well preserved impact crater of 2.2 km in diameter, located at 27.7oN 11.8oE, near the western edge of Mare Serenitatis on the Moon. The crater was photographed by the Lunar Orbiter and the Apollo space missions. Its particular morphology may place Linné as the most striking example of small fresh simple crater. Morphometric analysis, conducted on recent high resolution DTM from LROC (NASA), quantitatively confirmed the pristine morphology of the crater, revealing a clear inner layering which highlight a sequence of lava emplacement events.
HIGH EXPLOSIVE CRATER STUDIES: DESERT ALLUVIUM
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Murphey, B.F.
1961-05-01
Crater dimensions were determined for 23 explosions of 256-pound spherical TNT charges buried in desert alluvium. As opposed to previous work covering depths of burst as great as 6 feet, the work presented in this report extends knowledge of apparent crater radius and depth to depths of burst as great as 30 feet. Optimum depth of burst for apparent crater radius was near 10 feet and for apparent crater depth near 8 feet. Surface motion photography illustrated a very great slowing down of the surface motion between depths of burst of 9.5 and 15.9 feet. Crater contours, profiles, snd overheadmore » photographs are presented as illustrations. (auth)« less
First images of asteroid 243 Ida
Belton, M.J.S.; Chapman, C.R.; Veverka, J.; Klaasen, K.P.; Harch, A.; Greeley, R.; Greenberg, R.; Head, J. W.; McEwen, A.; Morrison, D.; Thomas, P.C.; Davies, M.E.; Carr, M.H.; Neukum, G.; Fanale, F.P.; Davis, D.R.; Anger, C.; Gierasch, P.J.; Ingersoll, A.P.; Pilcher, C.B.
1994-01-01
The first images of the asteroid 243 Ida from Galileo show an irregular object measuring 56 kilometers by 24 kilometers by 21 kilometers. Its surface is rich in geologic features, including systems of grooves, blocks, chutes, albedo features, crater chains, and a full range of crater morphologies. The largest blocks may be distributed nonuniformly across the surface; lineaments and dark-floored craters also have preferential locations. Ida is interpreted to have a substantial regolith. The high crater density and size-frequency distribution (-3 differential power-law index) indicate a surface in equilibrium with saturated cratering. A minimum model crater age for Ida - and therefore for the Koronis family to which Ida belongs - is estimated at 1 billion years, older than expected.
Gale Crater: An Amazonian Impact Crater Lake at the Plateau/Plain Boundary
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cabrol, N. A.; Grin, E. A.
1998-01-01
Gale is a 140-km diameter impact crater located at the plateau/plain boundary in the Aeolis Northeast subquadrangle of Mars (5S/223W). The crater is bordered in the northward direction by the Elysium Basin, and in eastward direction by Hesperian channels and the Aeolis Mensae 2. The crater displays a rim with two distinct erosion stages: (a) though eroded, the south rim of Gale has an apparent crest line visible from the north to the southwest (b) the west and northwest rims are characterized by a strong erosion that, in some places, partially destroyed the rampart, leaving remnant pits embayed in smooth-like deposits. The same type of deposits is observed north, outside Gale, it also borders the Aeolis Mensae, covers the bottom of the plateau scarp, and the crater floor. The central part of Gale shows a 6400 km2 subround and asymmetrical deposit: (a) the south part is composed of smooth material, (b) the north part shows spectacular terraces, streamlines, and channels. The transition between the two parts of the deposit is characterized by a scarp ranging from 200 to 2000 in high. The highest point of the scarp is at the center of the crater, and probably corresponds to a central peak. Gale crater does not show a major channel directly inflowing. However, several large fluvi systems are bordering the crater, and could be at the origin of the flooding of the crater, or have contributed to. One fluvial system is entering the crater by the southwest rim but cannot be accounted alone for the volume of sediment deposited in the crater. This channel erodes the crater floor deposit, and ends in a irregular-shaped and dark albedo feature. Gale crater shows the morphology of a crater filled during sedimentation episodes, and then eroded Part of the lower sediment deposition contained in Gale might be ancient and not only aqueous in origin. According to the regional geologic history, the sedimentary deposit could be a mixture of aeolian and pyroclastic material, and aqueous sedimentary material that can originate both from drainage of the regional subsurface aquifer, and/or from surface flood. The central deposit shows three main levels: (a) the current crater floor (north of Gale), (b) an ancient level about 200 rn higher (south of Gale), and (c) the massive terraced deposits. A crater statistics on the 15,400 kM2 area of the crater floor and deposit [3,41 gave: 259+/-112.4 craters, most of them partly embayed in the sedimentary deposit, and all inferior to 5-km diameter. For superimposed crater population only, the result is 194+/-112. The deduced relative ages ranges from Early to Middle Amazonian. The population of craters are comparable for the three levels, implying that the last sedimentation/erosion episode on Gale was recent and affected the whole crater. The streamlined morphology of the border of the deposit, the layering, the channels, and the terraces are compatible with a significant fluvio-lacustrine history of the site. Multiple levels may suggest different episodes, but the common statistical age of the three levels shows that the last episode involved the whole crater. The origin of the lake water in Gale may have varied in time. Three major contributions have been proposed: (a) the drainage of the regional underground aquifer by Gale crater over an area of 110-km radius around the crater which would have provided approximately 1,600 cubic km of water, (b), surface drainage entering Gale by the south and north rims. In the south, a 250-km long system originates in the cratered uplands in a Noachian crater material plain (Nc), and crosses Hesperian and Amazonian crater material plains (AHc) northward [1]. Several fluvial systems originate in the Aeolis Mensae, east of Gale. They may had two functions in time: to recharge, the underground aquifer in the region of Gale, and to supply surface water in the crater by overspilling the northern rim, and (c) surface floods that originated from the rising of the water level in the Elysium Basin. According to the Amazonian age of Gale's floor, and the erosion direction in the crater, a flood from Elysium Basin is the most likely event to explain the material observed in Gale, and the formation of the last lake. This last flood may have been important enough to flood the central deposit up to about 1400 m above the crater floor, leaving two islands (non stream lined features) at the center of the deposit. Terrace spacing suggests a regular drop of the lake level in time. Fractures in terraces perpendicular to the shoreline can be interpreted either as: (a) the result of the drainage systems during the waning of the lake, or (b) traces of the pressure of an ice-covered sheet associated with subglacial drainage. The presence of a lake of such volume during the Amazonian period is one more evidence that water was still active on Mars relatively recently. Gale crater offers the rare opportunity to unveil a key-period of the martian history. The Amazonian might proved not as cold and dry as previously thought. The presence of large lakes and basins (Elysium Basin is large as the Mediterranean Sea), reinforces the model of an extensive water activity during the Amazonian that has still to be understood in the context of an assumed cooling and drying planet. The sediments and rocks that were left of this period in Gale keep the record of the climatic conditions of the Amazonian and the clues that are missing to understand the climatic evolution of Mars. In addition, Gale crater presents the advantage to be located at the plateau/plain boundary, which has never been studied and contains information about the two main martian geological units. As a conclusion, we propose a table that summarizes the worthiness of a mission in Gale crater, and the expected science return relative to the objectives to be met by the Surveyor Program. Additional information contained in the original.
Did Martian Meteorites Come From These Sources?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Martel, L. M. V.
2007-01-01
Large rayed craters on Mars, not immediately obvious in visible light, have been identified in thermal infrared data obtained from the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) onboard Mars Odyssey. Livio Tornabene (previously at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and now at the University of Arizona, Tucson) and colleagues have mapped rayed craters primarily within young (Amazonian) volcanic plains in or near Elysium Planitia. They found that rays consist of numerous chains of secondary craters, their overlapping ejecta, and possibly primary ejecta from the source crater. Their work also suggests rayed craters may have formed preferentially in volatile-rich targets by oblique impacts. The physical details of the rayed craters and the target surfaces combined with current models of Martian meteorite delivery and cosmochemical analyses of Martian meteorites lead Tornabene and coauthors to conclude that these large rayed craters are plausible source regions for Martian meteorites.
Venus - Complex Crater Dickinson in NE Atalanta Region
1996-11-26
This Magellan image is centered at 74.6 degrees north latitude and 177.3 east longitude, in the northeastern Atalanta Region of Venus. The image is approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) wide at the base and shows Dickinson, an impact crater 69 kilometers (43 miles) in diameter. The crater is complex, characterized by a partial central ring and a floor flooded by radar-dark and radar-bright materials. Hummocky, rough-textured ejecta extend all around the crater, except to the west. The lack of ejecta to the west may indicate that the impactor that produced the crater was an oblique impact from the west. Extensive radar-bright flows that emanate from the crater's eastern walls may represent large volumes of impact melt, or they may be the result of volcanic material released from the subsurface during the cratering event. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00479
Experimental Investigation of the Formation of Complex Craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Martellato, E.; Dörfler, M. A.; Schuster, B.; Wünnemman, K.; Kenkmann, T.
2017-09-01
The formation of complex impact craters is still poorly understood, because standard material models fail to explain the gravity-driven collapse at the observed size-range of a bowl-shaped transient crater into a flat-floored crater structure with a central peak or ring and terraced rim. To explain such a collapse the so-called Acoustic Fluidization (AF) model has been proposed. The AF assumes that heavily fractured target rocks surrounding the transient crater are temporarily softened by an acoustic field in the wake of an expanding shock wave generated upon impact. The AF has been successfully employed in numerous modeling studies of complex crater formation; however, there is no clear relationship between model parameters and observables. In this study, we present preliminary results of laboratory experiments aiming at relating the AF parameters to observables such as the grain size, average wave length of the acoustic field and its decay time τ relative to the crater formation time.
The missing impact craters on Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Speidel, D. H.
1993-01-01
The size-frequency pattern of the 842 impact craters on Venus measured to date can be well described (across four standard deviation units) as a single log normal distribution with a mean crater diameter of 14.5 km. This result was predicted in 1991 on examination of the initial Magellan analysis. If this observed distribution is close to the real distribution, the 'missing' 90 percent of the small craters and the 'anomalous' lack of surface splotches may thus be neither missing nor anomalous. I think that the missing craters and missing splotches can be satisfactorily explained by accepting that the observed distribution approximates the real one, that it is not craters that are missing but the impactors. What you see is what you got. The implication that Venus crossing impactors would have the same type of log normal distribution is consistent with recently described distribution for terrestrial craters and Earth crossing asteroids.
The Martian impact cratering record
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Strom, Robert G.; Croft, Steven K.; Barlow, Nadine G.
1992-01-01
A detailed analysis of the Martian impact cratering record is presented. The major differences in impact crater morphology and morphometry between Mars and the moon and Mercury are argued to be largely the result of subsurface volatiles on Mars. In general, the depth to these volatiles may decrease with increasing latitude in the southern hemisphere, but the base of this layer may be at a more or less constant depth. The Martial crustal dichotomy could have been the result of a very large impact near the end of the accretion of Mars. Monte Carlo computer simulations suggest that such an impact was not only possible, but likely. The Martian highland cratering record shows a marked paucity of craters less than about 30 km in diameter relative to the lunar highlands. This paucity of craters was probably the result of the obliteration of craters by an early period of intense erosion and deposition by aeolian, fluvial, and glacial processes.
2017-02-01
Impact ejecta is material that is thrown up and out of the surface of a planet as a result of the impact of an meteorite, asteroid or comet. The material that was originally beneath the surface of the planet then rains down onto the environs of the newly formed impact crater. Some of this material is deposited close to the crater, folding over itself to form the crater rim, visible here as a yellowish ring. Other material is ejected faster and falls down further from the crater rim creating two types of ejecta: a "continuous ejecta blanket" and "discontinuous ejecta." Both are shown in this image. The blocky area at the center of the image close to the yellowish crater rim is the "continuous" ejecta. The discontinuous ejecta is further from the crater rim, streaking away from the crater like spokes on a bicycle. (Note: North is to the right.) http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA11180
Wynn, Jeffrey C.; Shoemaker, Eugene M.
1997-01-01
Focuses on the existence of craters in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia created by the impact of meteors in early times. Mars Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor's encounter with impact craters; Elimination of craters in the Earth's surface by the action of natural elements; Impact sites' demand for careful scientific inspections; Location of the impact sites.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ivanov, B. A.
1986-01-01
Main concepts and theoretical models which are used for studying the mechanics of cratering are discussed. Numerical two-dimensional calculations are made of explosions near a surface and high-speed impact. Models are given for the motion of a medium during cratering. Data from laboratory modeling are given. The effect of gravitational force and scales of cratering phenomena is analyzed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vamshi, Gasiganti T.; Martha, Tapas R.; Vinod Kumar, K.
2016-05-01
Identification of impact craters is a primary requirement to study past geological processes such as impact history. They are also used as proxies for measuring relative ages of various planetary or satellite bodies and help to understand the evolution of planetary surfaces. In this paper, we present a new method using object-based image analysis (OBIA) technique to detect impact craters of wide range of sizes from topographic data. Multiresolution image segmentation of digital terrain models (DTMs) available from the NASA's LRO mission was carried out to create objects. Subsequently, objects were classified into impact craters using shape and morphometric criteria resulting in 95% detection accuracy. The methodology developed in a training area in parts of Mare Imbrium in the form of a knowledge-based ruleset when applied in another area, detected impact craters with 90% accuracy. The minimum and maximum sizes (diameters) of impact craters detected in parts of Mare Imbrium by our method are 29 m and 1.5 km, respectively. Diameters of automatically detected impact craters show good correlation (R2 > 0.85) with the diameters of manually detected impact craters.
Styles of crater gradation in Southern Ismenius Lacus, Mars: Clues from Meteor Crater, Arizona
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grant, J. A.; Schultz, P. H.
1992-01-01
Impact craters on the Earth and Mars provide a unique opportunity to quantify the gradational evolution of instantaneously created landforms in a variety of geologic settings. Unlike most landforms, the initial morphology associated with impact craters on both planets is uncomplicated by competition between construction and degradation during formation. Furthermore, pristine morphologies are both well-constrained and similar to a first order. The present study compares styles of graduation at Meteor Crater with those around selected craters (greater than 1-2 km in diameter) in southern Ismenius Lacus. Emphasis is placed on features visible in images near LANDSAT TM resolution (30-50 m/pixel) which is available for both areas. In contrast to Mars, vegetation on the Earth can modify gradation, but appears to influence overall rates and styles by 2X-3X rather than orders of magnitude. Further studies of additional craters in differing settings will refine the effects of this and other factors (e.g., substrate). Finally, by analogy with results from other terrestrial gradational surfaces this study should help provide constraints on climate over crater histories.
The Morphology of Craters on Mercury: Results from MESSENGER Flybys
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barnouin, Oliver S.; Zuber, Maria T.; Smith, David E.; Neumann, Gregory A.; Herrick, Robert R.; Chappelow, John E.; Murchie, Scott L.; Prockter, Louise M.
2012-01-01
Topographic data measured from the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) and the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) aboard the MESSENGER spacecraft were used for investigations of the relationship between depth and diameter for impact craters on Mercury. Results using data from the MESSENGER flybys of the innermost planet indicate that most of the craters measured with MLA are shallower than those previously measured by using Mariner 10 images. MDIS images of these same MLA-measured craters show that they have been modified. The use of shadow measurement techniques, which were found to be accurate relative to the MLA results, indicate that both small bowl-shaped and large complex craters that are fresh possess depth-to-diameter ratios that are in good agreement with those measured from Mariner 10 images. The preliminary data also show that the depths of modified craters are shallower relative to fresh ones, and might provide quantitative estimates of crater in-filling by subsequent volcanic or impact processes. The diameter that defines the transition from simple to complex craters on Mercury based on MESSENGER data is consistent with that reported from Mariner 10 data.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1991-01-01
This Magellan full-resolution image shows Jeanne crater, a 19.5 kilometer (12 mile) diameter impact crater. Jeanne crater is located at 40.0 degrees north latitude and 331.4 degrees longitude. The distinctive triangular shape of the ejecta indicates that the impacting body probably hit obliquely, traveling from southwest to northeast. The crater is surrounded by dark material of two types. The dark area on the southwest side of the crater is covered by smooth (radar-dark) lava flows which have a strongly digitate contact with surrounding brighter flows. The very dark area on the northeast side of the crater is probably covered by smooth material such as fine-grained sediment. This dark halo is asymmetric, mimicking the asymmetric shape of the ejecta blanket. The dark halo may have been caused by an atmospheric shock or pressure wave produced by the incoming body. Jeanne crater also displays several outflow lobes on the northwest side. These flow-like features may have formed by fine-grained ejecta transported by a hot, turbulent flow created by the arrival of the impacting object. Alternatively, they may have formed by flow of impact melt.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hartmann, William K.; Werner, Stephanie C.
2010-06-01
Recent controversies about systems of crater-count dating have been largely resolved, and with continuing refinements, crater counts will offer a fundamental geological tool to interpret not only ages, but also the nature of geological processes altering the surface of Mars. As an example of the latter technique, we present data on two debris aprons east of Hellas. The aprons show much shorter survival times of small craters than do the nearby contiguous plains. The order-of-magnitude depths of layers involved in the loss process can be judged from the depths of the affected craters. We infer that ice-rich layers in the top tens of meters of both aprons have lost crater topography within the last few 10 8 yr, probably due to flow or sublimation of ice-rich materials. Mantling by ice-rich deposits, associated with climate change cycles of obliquity change, has probably also affected both the aprons and the plains. The crater-count tool thus adds chronological and vertical dimensional information to purely morphological studies.
Modelling the gravity and magnetic field anomalies of the Chicxulub crater
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Aleman, C. Ortiz; Pilkington, M.; Hildebrand, A. R.; Roest, W. R.; Grieve, R. A. F.; Keating, P.
1993-01-01
The approximately 180-km-diameter Chicxulub crater lies buried by approximately 1 km of sediment on the northwestern corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Geophysical, stratigraphic and petrologic evidence support an impact origin for the structure and biostratigraphy suggests that a K/T age is possible for the impact. The crater's location is in agreement with constraints derived from proximal K/T impact-wave and ejecta deposits and its melt-rock is similar in composition to the K/T tektites. Radiometric dating of the melt rock reveals an age identical to that of the K/T tektites. The impact which produced the Chicxulub crater probably produced the K/T extinctions and understanding the now-buried crater will provide constraints on the impact's lethal effects. The outstanding preservation of the crater, the availability of detailed gravity and magnetic data sets, and the two-component target of carbonate/evaporites overlying silicate basement allow application of geophysical modeling techniques to explore the crater under most favorable circumstances. We have found that the main features of the gravity and magnetic field anomalies may be produced by the crater lithologies.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tanaka, Ryo; Hashimoto, Takeshi; Matsushima, Nobuo; Ishido, Tsuneo
2018-05-01
We investigate a volcanic hydrothermal system using numerical simulations, focusing on change in crater temperature. Both increases and decreases in crater temperature have been observed before phreatic eruptions. We follow the system's response for up to a decade after hydrothermal fluid flux from the deep part of the system is increased and permeability is reduced at a certain depth in a conduit. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that: (1) changes in crater temperature are controlled by the magnitude of the increase in hydrothermal fluid flux and the degree of permeability reduction; (2) significant increases in hydrothermal flux with decreases in permeability induce substantial pressure changes in shallow depths in the edifice and decreases in crater temperature; (3) the location of maximum pressure change differs between the mechanisms. The results of this study imply that it is difficult to predict eruptions by crater temperature change alone. One should be as wary of large eruptions when crater temperature decreases as when crater temperature increases. It is possible to clarify the implications of changes in crater temperature with simultaneous observation of ground deformation.[Figure not available: see fulltext.
Impact craters on Venus: Initial analysis from Magellan
Phillips, R.J.; Arvidson, R. E.; Boyce, J.M.; Campbell, D.B.; Guest, J.E.; Schaber, G.G.; Soderblom, L.A.
1991-01-01
Magellan radar images of 15 percent of the planet show 135 craters of probable impact origin. Craters more than 15 km across tend to contain central peaks, multiple central peaks, and peak rings. Many craters smaller than 15 km exhibit multiple floors or appear in clusters; these phenomena are attributed to atmospheric breakup of incoming meteoroids. Additionally, the atmosphere appears to have prevented the formation of primary impact craters smaller than about 3 km and produced a deficiency in the number of craters smaller than about 25 km across. Ejecta is found at greater distances than that predicted by simple ballistic emplacement, and the distal ends of some ejecta deposits are lobate. These characteristics may represent surface flows of material initially entrained in the atmosphere. Many craters are surrounded by zones of low radar albedo whose origin may have been deformation of the surface by the shock or pressure wave associated with the incoming meteoroid. Craters are absent from several large areas such as a 5 million square kilometer region around Sappho Patera, where the most likely explanation for the dearth of craters is volcanic resurfacing, There is apparently a spectrum of surface ages on Venus ranging approximately from 0 to 800 million years, and therefore Venus must be a geologically active planet.
Artificial lunar impact craters: Four new identifications, part I
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Whitaker, E. A.
1972-01-01
The Apollo 16 panoramic camera photographed the impact locations of the Ranger 7 and 9 spacecraft and the S-4B stage of the Apollo 14 Saturn launch vehicle. Identification of the Ranger craters was very simple because each photographed its target point before impact. Identification of the S-4B impact crater proved to be a simple matter because the impact location, as derived from earth-based tracking, displayed a prominent and unique system of mixed light and dark rays. By using the criterion of a dark ray pattern, a reexamination of the Apollo 14 500 mm Hasselblad sequence taken of the Apollo 13 S-4B impact area was made. This examination quickly led to the discovery of the ray system and the impact crater. The study of artificial lunar impact craters, ejecta blankets, and ray systems provides the long-needed link between the various experimental terrestrial impact and explosion craters, and the naturally occurring impact craters on the moon. This elementary study shows that lunar impact crater diameters are closely predictable from a knowledge of the energies involved, at least in the size range considered, and suggests that parameters, such as velocity, may have a profound effect on crater morphology and ejecta blanket albedo.
Numerical Simulations of Silverpit Crater Collapse
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Collins, G. S.; Turtle, E. P.; Melosh, H. J.
2003-01-01
The Silverpit crater is a recently discovered, 60-65 Myr old complex crater, which lies buried beneath the North Sea, about 150 km east of Britain. High-resolution images of Silverpit's subsurface structure, provided by three-dimensional seismic reflection data, reveal an inner-crater morphology similar to that expected for a 5-8 km diameter terrestrial crater. The crater walls show evidence of terracestyle slumping and there is a distinct central uplift, which may have produced a central peak in the pristine crater morphology. However, Silverpit is not a typical 5-km diameter terrestrial crater, because it exhibits multiple, concentric rings outside the main cavity. External concentric rings are normally associated with much larger impact structures, for example Chicxulub on Earth, or Orientale on the Moon. Furthermore, external rings associated with large impacts on the terrestrial planets and moons are widely-spaced, predominantly inwardly-facing, asymmetric scarps. However, the seismic data show that the external rings at Silverpit represent closely-spaced, concentric fault-bound graben, with both inwardly and outwardly facing faults-carps. This type of multi-ring structure is directly analogous to the Valhalla-type multi-ring basins found on the icy satellites. Thus, the presence and style of the multiple rings at Silverpit is surprising given both the size of the crater and its planetary setting.
Crater Lake Controls on Volcano Stability: Insights From White Island, New Zealand
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hamling, Ian J.
2017-11-01
Many volcanoes around the world host summit crater lakes but their influence on the overall stability of the edifice remains poorly understood. Here I use satellite radar data acquired by TerraSAR-X from early 2015 to July 2017 over White Island, New Zealand, to investigate the interaction of the crater lake and deformation of the surrounding edifice. An eruption in April 2016 was preceded by a period of uplift within the crater floor and drop in the lake level. Modeling of the uplift indicates a shallow source located at ˜100 m depth in the vicinity of the crater lake, likely coinciding with the shallow hydrothermal system. In addition to the drop in the lake level, stress changes induced by the inflation suggest that the pressurization of the shallow hydrothermal system helped promote failure along the edge of the crater lake which collapsed during the eruption. After the eruption, and almost complete removal of the crater lake, large areas of the crater wall and lake edge began moving downslope at rates approaching 400 mm/yr. The coincidence between the rapid increase in the displacement rates and removal of the crater lake suggests that the lake provides a physical control on the stability of the surrounding edifice.
Crater Identification Algorithm for the Lost in Low Lunar Orbit Scenario
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hanak, Chad; Crain, TImothy
2010-01-01
Recent emphasis by NASA on returning astronauts to the Moon has placed attention on the subject of lunar surface feature tracking. Although many algorithms have been proposed for lunar surface feature tracking navigation, much less attention has been paid to the issue of navigational state initialization from lunar craters in a lost in low lunar orbit (LLO) scenario. That is, a scenario in which lunar surface feature tracking must begin, but current navigation state knowledge is either unavailable or too poor to initiate a tracking algorithm. The situation is analogous to the lost in space scenario for star trackers. A new crater identification algorithm is developed herein that allows for navigation state initialization from as few as one image of the lunar surface with no a priori state knowledge. The algorithm takes as inputs the locations and diameters of craters that have been detected in an image, and uses the information to match the craters to entries in the USGS lunar crater catalog via non-dimensional crater triangle parameters. Due to the large number of uncataloged craters that exist on the lunar surface, a probability-based check was developed to reject false identifications. The algorithm was tested on craters detected in four revolutions of Apollo 16 LLO images, and shown to perform well.
Airflow analyses using thermal imaging in Arizona's Meteor Crater as part of METCRAX II
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grudzielanek, A. Martina; Vogt, Roland; Cermak, Jan; Maric, Mateja; Feigenwinter, Iris; Whiteman, C. David; Lehner, Manuela; Hoch, Sebastian W.; Krauß, Matthias G.; Bernhofer, Christian; Pitacco, Andrea
2016-04-01
In October 2013 the second Meteor Crater Experiment (METCRAX II) took place at the Barringer Meteorite Crater (aka Meteor Crater) in north central Arizona, USA. Downslope-windstorm-type flows (DWF), the main research objective of METCRAX II, were measured by a comprehensive set of meteorological sensors deployed in and around the crater. During two weeks of METCRAX II five infrared (IR) time lapse cameras (VarioCAM® hr research & VarioCAM® High Definition, InfraTec) were installed at various locations on the crater rim to record high-resolution images of the surface temperatures within the crater from different viewpoints. Changes of surface temperature are indicative of air temperature changes induced by flow dynamics inside the crater, including the DWF. By correlating thermal IR surface temperature data with meteorological sensor data during intensive observational periods the applicability of the IR method of representing flow dynamics can be assessed. We present evaluation results and draw conclusions relative to the application of this method for observing air flow dynamics in the crater. In addition we show the potential of the IR method for METCRAX II in 1) visualizing airflow processes to improve understanding of these flows, and 2) analyzing cold-air flows and cold-air pooling.
The formation of floor-fractured craters in Xanthe Terra
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sato, Hiroyuki; Kurita, Kei; Baratoux, David
2010-05-01
Floor-fractured craters (FFC) are a peculiar form of degradation of impact craters defined by the presence of crevice networks and mesas affecting crater floors. They are preferentially distributed near chaotic terrains and outflow channels. The scope of this paper is to present a detailed systematic analysis of FFC at Xanthe Terra. FFC morphologies in this region are classified into five types making a picture of different stages of the same degradation process. FFC are geographically intermixed with un-fractured normal craters (non-FFC). Young craters are less prone to show this type of degradation, as suggested by fresh ejecta layer with preserved crater floor. Size distributions of FFC and non-FFC indicate that larger craters are preferentially fractured. Careful examinations of the crater floor elevations reveal that the crevices often extend deeper than the original crater cavity. Furthermore, an onset depth for the formation of FFC is evidenced from the difference of spatial distributions between FFC and non-FFC. Roof-collapsed depressions observed in the same region have been also documented and their characteristics suggest the removal of subsurface material at depth from about 1200 to 4000 m. These observations taken together suggest a subsurface zone of volume deficit at depth from 1 to 2 km down to several kilometers responsible for FFC formation. Then a scenario of FFC formations is presented in the context of groundwater discharge events at the late Hesperian. This scenario involves two key processes, Earth fissuring and piping erosion, known to occur with rapid groundwater migrations on Earth.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fassett, Caleb I.
2016-10-01
Analyzing the density of impact craters on planetary surfaces is the only known technique for learning their ages remotely. As a result, crater statistics have been widely analyzed on the terrestrial planets, since the timing and rates of activity are critical to understanding geologic process and history. On the Moon, the samples obtained by the Apollo and Luna missions provide critical calibration points for cratering chronology. On Mercury, Venus, and Mars, there are no similarly firm anchors for cratering rates, but chronology models have been established by extrapolating from the lunar record or by estimating their impactor fluxes in other ways. This review provides a current perspective on crater population measurements and their chronological interpretation. Emphasis is placed on how ages derived from crater statistics may be contingent on assumptions that need to be considered critically. In addition, ages estimated from crater populations are somewhat different than ages from more familiar geochronology tools (e.g., radiometric dating). Resurfacing processes that remove craters from the observed population are particularly challenging to account for, since they can introduce geologic uncertainty into results or destroy information about the formation age of a surface. Regardless of these challenges, crater statistics measurements have resulted in successful predictions later verified by other techniques, including the age of the lunar maria, the existence of a period of heavy bombardment in the Moon's first billion years, and young volcanism on Mars.
Crater relaxation on Titan aided by low thermal conductivity sand infill
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schurmeier, Lauren R.; Dombard, Andrew J.
2018-05-01
Titan's few impact craters are currently many hundreds of meters shallower than the depths expected. Assuming these craters initially had depths equal to that of similar-size fresh craters on Ganymede and Callisto (moons of similar size, composition, and target lithology), then some process has shallowed them over time. Since nearly all of Titan's recognized craters are located within the arid equatorial sand seas of organic-rich dunes, where rain is infrequent, and atmospheric sedimentation is expected to be low, it has been suggested that aeolian infill plays a major role in shallowing the craters. Topographic relaxation at Titan's current heat flow was previously assumed to be an unimportant process on Titan due to its low surface temperature (94 K). However, our estimate of the thermal conductivity of Titan's organic-rich sand is remarkably low (0.025 W m-1 K-1), and when in thick deposits, will result in a thermal blanketing effect that can aid relaxation. Here, we simulate the relaxation of Titan's craters Afekan, Soi, and Sinlap including thermal effects of various amounts of sand inside and around Titan's craters. We find that the combination of aeolian infill and subsequent relaxation can produce the current crater depths in a geologically reasonable period of time using Titan's current heat flow. Instead of needing to fill completely the missing volume with 100% sand, only ∼62%, ∼71%, and ∼97%, of the volume need be sand at the current basal heat flux for Afekan, Soi, and Sinlap, respectively. We conclude that both processes are likely at work shallowing these craters, and this finding contributes to why Titan overall lacks impact craters in the arid equatorial regions.
Asteroid families from cratering: Detection and models
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Milani, A.; Cellino, A.; Knežević, Z.; Novaković, B.; Spoto, F.; Paolicchi, P.
2014-07-01
A new asteroid families classification, more efficient in the inclusion of smaller family members, shows how relevant the cratering impacts are on large asteroids. These do not disrupt the target, but just form families with the ejecta from large craters. Of the 12 largest asteroids, 8 have cratering families: number (2), (4), (5), (10), (87), (15), (3), and (31). At least another 7 cratering families can be identified. Of the cratering families identified so far, 7 have >1000 members. This imposes a remarkable change from the focus on fragmentation families of previous classifications. Such a large dataset of asteroids believed to be crater ejecta opens a new challenge: to model the crater and family forming event(s) generating them. The first problem is to identify which cratering families, found by the similarity of proper elements, can be formed at once, with a single collision. We have identified as a likely outcome of multiple collisions the families of (4), (10), (15), and (20). Of the ejecta generated by cratering, only a fraction reaches the escape velocity from the surviving parent body. The distribution of velocities at infinity, giving to the resulting family an initial position and shape in the proper elements space, is highly asymmetric with respect to the parent body. This shape is deformed by the Yarkovsky effect and by the interaction with resonances. All the largest asteroids have been subjected to large cratering events, thus the lack of a family needs to be interpreted. The most interesting case is (1) Ceres, which is not the parent body of the nearby family of (93). Two possible interpretations of the low family forming efficiency are based on either the composition of Ceres with a significant fraction of ice, protected by a thin crust, or with the larger escape velocity of ~500 m/s.
Horton, J. Wright; Ormo, J.; Powars, D.S.; Gohn, G.S.
2006-01-01
The late Eocene Chesapeake Bay impact structure (CBIS) on the Atlantic margin of Virginia is one of the largest and best-preserved "wet-target" craters on Earth. It provides an accessible analog for studying impact processes in layered and wet targets on volatile-rich planets. The CBIS formed in a layered target of water, weak clastic sediments, and hard crystalline rock. The buried structure consists of a deep, filled central crater, 38 km in width, surrounded by a shallower brim known as the annular trough. The annular trough formed partly by collapse of weak sediments, which expanded the structure to ???85 km in diameter. Such extensive collapse, in addition to excavation processes, can explain the "inverted sombrero" morphology observed at some craters in layered targets. The distribution of crater-fill materials i n the CBIS is related to the morphology. Suevitic breccia, including pre-resurge fallback deposits, is found in the central crater. Impact-modified sediments, formed by fluidization and collapse of water-saturated sand and silt-clay, occur in the annular trough. Allogenic sediment-clast breccia, interpreted as ocean-resurge deposits, overlies the other impactites and covers the entire crater beneath a blanket of postimpact sediments. The formation of chaotic terrains on Mars is attributed to collapse due to the release of volatiles from thick layered deposits. Some flat-floored rimless depressions with chaotic infill in these terrains are impact craters that expanded by collapse farther than expected for similar-sized complex craters in solid targets. Studies of crater materials in the CBIS provide insights into processes of crater expansion on Mars and their links to volatiles. ?? The Meteoritical Society, 2006.
Testing models for the formation of the equatorial ridge on Iapetus via crater counting
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Damptz, Amanda L.; Dombard, Andrew J.; Kirchoff, Michelle R.
2018-03-01
Iapetus's equatorial ridge, visible in global views of the moon, is unique in the Solar System. The formation of this feature is likely attributed to a key event in the evolution of Iapetus, and various models have been proposed as the source of the ridge. By surveying imagery from the Cassini and Voyager missions, this study aims to compile a database of the impact crater population on and around Iapetus's equatorial ridge, assess the relative age of the ridge from differences in cratering between on ridge and off ridge, and test the various models of ridge formation. This work presents a database that contains 7748 craters ranging from 0.83 km to 591 km in diameter. The database includes the study area in which the crater is located, the latitude and longitude of the crater, the major and minor axis lengths, and the azimuthal angle of orientation of the major axis. Analysis of crater orientation over the entire study area reveals that there is no preference for long-axis orientation, particularly in the area with the highest resolution. Comparison of the crater size-frequency distributions show that the crater distribution on the ridge appears to be depleted in craters larger than 16 km with an abruptly enhanced crater population less than 16 km in diameter up to saturation. One possible interpretation is that the ridge is a relatively younger surface with an enhanced small impactor population. Finally, the compiled results are used to examine each ridge formation hypothesis. Based on these results, a model of ridge formation via a tidally disrupted sub-satellite appears most consistent with our interpretation of a younger ridge with an enhanced small impactor population.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ye, L.; Xu, X.; Luan, D.; Jiang, W.; Kang, Z.
2017-07-01
Crater-detection approaches can be divided into four categories: manual recognition, shape-profile fitting algorithms, machine-learning methods and geological information-based analysis using terrain and spectral data. The mainstream method is Shape-profile fitting algorithms. Many scholars throughout the world use the illumination gradient information to fit standard circles by least square method. Although this method has achieved good results, it is difficult to identify the craters with poor "visibility", complex structure and composition. Moreover, the accuracy of recognition is difficult to be improved due to the multiple solutions and noise interference. Aiming at the problem, we propose a method for the automatic extraction of impact craters based on spectral characteristics of the moon rocks and minerals: 1) Under the condition of sunlight, the impact craters are extracted from MI by condition matching and the positions as well as diameters of the craters are obtained. 2) Regolith is spilled while lunar is impacted and one of the elements of lunar regolith is iron. Therefore, incorrectly extracted impact craters can be removed by judging whether the crater contains "non iron" element. 3) Craters which are extracted correctly, are divided into two types: simple type and complex type according to their diameters. 4) Get the information of titanium and match the titanium distribution of the complex craters with normal distribution curve, then calculate the goodness of fit and set the threshold. The complex craters can be divided into two types: normal distribution curve type of titanium and non normal distribution curve type of titanium. We validated our proposed method with MI acquired by SELENE. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has good performance in the test area.
Titan's Impact Cratering Record: Erosion of Ganymedean (and other) Craters on a Wet Icy Landscape
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schenk, P.; Moore, J.; Howard, A.
2012-04-01
We examine the cratering record of Titan from the perspective of icy satellites undergoing persistent landscape erosion. First we evaluate whether Ganymede (and Callisto) or the smaller low-gravity neighboring icy satellites of Saturn are the proper reference standard for evaluating Titan’s impact crater morphologies, using topographic and morphometric measurements (Schenk, 2002; Schenk et al. (2004) and unpublished data). The special case of Titan’s largest crater, Minrva, is addressed through analysis of large impact basins such as Gilgamesh, Lofn, Odysseus and Turgis. Second, we employ a sophisticated landscape evolution and modification model developed for study of martian and other planetary landforms (e.g., Howard, 2007). This technique applies mass redistribution principles due to erosion by impact, fluvial and hydrological processes to a planetary landscape. The primary advantage of our technique is the possession of a limited but crucial body of areal digital elevation models (DEMs) of Ganymede (and Callisto) impact craters as well as global DEM mapping of Saturn’s midsize icy satellites, in combination with the ability to simulate rainfall and redeposition of granular material to determine whether Ganymede craters can be eroded to resemble Titan craters and the degree of erosion required. References: Howard, A. D., “Simulating the development of martian highland landscapes through the interaction of impact cratering, fluvial erosion, and variable hydrologic forcing”, Geomorphology, 91, 332-363, 2007. Schenk, P. "Thickness constraints on the icy shells of the galilean satellites from impact crater shapes". Nature, 417, 419-421, 2002. Schenk, P.M., et al. "Ages and interiors: the cratering record of the Galilean satellites". In: Jupiter: The Planet, Satellites, and Magnetosphere, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 427-456, 2004.
Investigating Mars: Kaiser Crater Dunes
2018-01-29
This VIS image of Kaiser Crater shows a region of the dunes with varied appearances. The different dune forms developed due to different amounts of available sand, different wind directions, and the texture of the crater floor. The dune forms change from the bottom to the top of the image - large long connected dunes, to large individual dunes, to the very small individual dunes at the top of the image. Kaiser Crater is located in the southern hemisphere in the Noachis region west of Hellas Planitia. Kaiser Crater is just one of several large craters with extensive dune fields on the crater floor. Other nearby dune filled craters are Proctor, Russell, and Rabe. Kaiser Crater is 207 km (129 miles) in diameter. The dunes are located in the southern part of the crater floor. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 71,000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images! Orbit Number: 17686 Latitude: -46.6956 Longitude: 19.8394 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2005-12-09 13:25 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22261
Investigating Mars: Kaiser Crater Dunes
2018-01-24
This VIS image of Kaiser Crater shows individual dunes and where the dunes have coalesced into longer dune forms. The addition of sand makes the dunes larger and the intra-dune areas go from sand-free to complete coverage of the hard surface of the crater floor. With a continued influx of sand the region will transition from individual dunes to a sand sheet with surface dune forms. Kaiser Crater is located in the southern hemisphere in the Noachis region west of Hellas Planitia. Kaiser Crater is just one of several large craters with extensive dune fields on the crater floor. Other nearby dune filled craters are Proctor, Russell, and Rabe. Kaiser Crater is 207 km (129 miles) in diameter. The dunes are located in the southern part of the crater floor. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 69000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images! Orbit Number: 1423 Latitude: -46.9573 Longitude: 18.6192 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2002-04-10 16:44 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22173
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fucugauchi, J. U.; Velasco-Villarreal, M.; Perez-Cruz, L. L.
2013-05-01
Paleomagnetic studies have long been successfully carried out in drilling projects, to characterize the borehole columns and to investigate the subsurface structure and stratigraphy. Magnetic susceptibility logging and magnetostratigraphic studies provide data for lateral correlation, formation evaluation, azimuthal core orientation, physical properties, etc., and are part of the tools available in the ocean and continental drilling programs. The inclusion of continuous core recovery in scientific drilling projects have greatly expanded the range of potential applications of paleomagnetic and rock magnetic studies, by allowing laboratory measurements on core samples. For this presentation, we concentrate on drilling studies of impact structures and their usefulness for documenting the structure, stratigraphy and physical properties at depth. There are about 170-180 impact craters documented in the terrestrial record, which is a small number compared to what is observed in the Moon, Mars, Venus and other bodies of the solar system. Of the terrestrial impact craters, only a few have been studied by drilling. Some craters have been drilled as part of industry exploration surveys and/or academic projects, including notably the Sudbury, Ries, Vredefort, Manson and many other craters. As part of the Continental ICDP program, drilling projects have been conducted on the Chicxulub, Bosumtwi, Chesapeake and El gygytgyn craters. Drilling of terrestrial craters has proved important in documenting the shallow stratigraphy and structure, providing insight on the cratering and impact dynamics. Questions include several that can only be addressed by retrieving core samples and laboratory analyses. Paleomagnetic, rock magnetic and fabric studies have been conducted in the various craters, which are here summarized with emphasis on the Chicxulub crater and Yucatan carbonate platform. Chicxulub is buried under a kilometer of younger sediments, making drilling an essential tool. Oil exploration included several boreholes, and additionally we have drilled 11 boreholes with continuous core recovery. Contributions and limitations of paleomagnetism for investigating the impact age, crater stratigraphy, cratering, ejecta emplacement, impact dynamics, hydrothermal system and post-impact processes are discussed.
Cataloging of Craters on Enceladus
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Karpes, B. A.; Stoddard, P. R.
2008-12-01
The surface of Saturn's satellite Enceladus is unique in terms of the amount of geologic activity that is taking place on what many had once assumed would be a cold and dead icy moon. Instead of a cold, cratered surface we have found a surface scarred with signs of tectonic activity in the form of numerous long rifts and fractures and we have seen cryovolcanic activity emanating from the south polar region. Using mostly Cassini images (a few of the map images are from Voyager), we are currently in the process of creating a comprehensive catalog of craters that, we believe, will be an invaluable tool in aiding our understanding of this enigmatic moon. The catalog will give the location of all craters measuring at least one-half degree (~2.2 km) in diameter. In addition to location and size, the catalog will also note deformation of the craters, both in terms of rifting and ellipticity. The deformations can give us insight to the tectonic history (i.e. many of the craters show post impact rifting) as well as giving us a further tool to study tectonic stresses across the surface. Areas of differing resolution are highlighted as they are an important limiting factor in determining crater densities. It is for this reason that crater sizes of one-half degree were chosen as they are more identifiable in lower resolution areas than craters that are much smaller. We intend to study crater distribution and have so far noted high crater densities between 216° W and 144° W and between 10° S and 10° N approximately centered around 180° longitude (the antipode to the sub-Saturnian point). In addition to our study of crater distribution we believe this catalog, upon completion, will be useful in the study of surface processes and surface heating of Enceladus.
Morphology of Lonar Crater, India: Comparisons and implications
Fudali, R.F.; Milton, D.J.; Fredriksson, K.; Dube, A.
1980-01-01
Lonar Crater is a young meteorite impact crater emplaced in Deccan basalt. Data from 5 drillholes, a gravity network, and field mapping are used to reconstruct its original dimensions, delineate the nature of the pre-impact target rocks, and interpret the emplacement mode of the ejecta. Our estimates of the pre-erosion dimensions are: average diameter of 1710 m; average rim height of 40 m (30-35 m of rim rock uplift, 5-10 m of ejected debris); depth of 230-245 m (from rim crest to crater floor). The crater's circularity index is 0.9 and is unlikely to have been lower in the past. There are minor irregularities in the original crater floor (present sediment-breccia boundary) possibly due to incipient rebound effects. A continuous ejecta blanket extends an average of 1410 m beyond the pre-erosion rim crest. In general, 'fresh' terrestrial craters, less than 10 km in diameter, have smaller depth/diameter and larger rim height/diameter ratios than their lunar counterparts. Both ratios are intermediate for Mercurian craters, suggesting that crater shape is gravity dependent, all else being equal. Lonar demonstrates that all else is not always equal. Its depth/diameter ratio is normal but, because of less rim rock uplift, its rim height/diameter ratio is much smaller than both 'fresh' terrestrial and lunar impact craters. The target rock column at Lonar consists of one or more layers of weathered, soft basalt capped by fresh, dense flows. Plastic deformation and/or compaction of this lower, incompetent material probably absorbed much of the energy normally available in the cratering process for rim rock uplift. A variety of features within the ejecta blanket and the immediately underlying substrate, plus the broad extent of the blanket boundaries, suggest that a fluidized debris surge was the dominant mechanism of ejecta transportation and deposition at Lonar. In these aspects, Lonar should be a good analog for the 'fluidized craters' of Mars. ?? 1980 D. Reidel Publishing Co.
Geology of the Side Crater of the Erebus volcano, Antarctica
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Panter, Kurt S.; Winter, Brian
2008-11-01
The summit cone of the Erebus volcano contains two craters. The Main crater is roughly circular (˜ 500 m diameter) and contains an active persistent phonolite lava lake ˜ 200 m below the summit rim. The Side Crater is adjacent to the southwestern rim of the Main Crater. It is a smaller spoon-shaped Crater (250-350 m diameter, 50-100 m deep) and is inactive. The floor of the Side Crater is covered by snow/ice, volcanic colluvium or weakly developed volcanic soil in geothermal areas (a.k.a. warm ground). But in several places the walls of the Side Crater provide extensive vertical exposure of rock which offers an insight into the recent eruptive history of Erebus. The deposits consist of lava flows with subordinate volcanoclastic lithologies. Four lithostratigraphic units are described: SC 1 is a compound lava with complex internal flow fabrics; SC 2 consists of interbedded vitric lavas, autoclastic and pyroclastic breccias; SC 3 is a thick sequence of thin lavas with minor autoclastic breccias; SC 4 is a pyroclastic fall deposit containing large scoriaceous lava bombs in a matrix composed primarily of juvenile lapilli-sized pyroclasts. Ash-sized pyroclasts from SC 4 consist of two morphologic types, spongy and blocky, indicating a mixed strombolian-phreatomagmatic origin. All of the deposits are phonolitic and contain anorthoclase feldspar. The stratigraphy and morphology of the Side Crater provides a record of recent volcanic activity at the Erebus volcano and is divided into four stages. Stage I is the building of the main summit cone and eruption of lavas (SC 1 and SC 3) from Main Crater vent(s). A secondary cone was built during Stage II by effusive and explosive activity (SC 2) from the Side Crater vent. A mixed strombolian and phreatomagmatic eruption (SC 4) delimits Stage III. The final stage (IV) represents a period of erosion and enlargement of the Side Crater.
Investigating Mars: Kaiser Crater Dunes
2018-02-02
This is a false color image of Kaiser Crater. In this combination of filters "blue" typically means basaltic sand. This VIS image crosses 3/4 of the crater and demonstrates how extensive the dunes are on the floor of Kaiser Crater. Kaiser Crater is located in the southern hemisphere in the Noachis region west of Hellas Planitia. Kaiser Crater is just one of several large craters with extensive dune fields on the crater floor. Other nearby dune filled craters are Proctor, Russell, and Rabe. Kaiser Crater is 207 km (129 miles) in diameter. The dunes are located in the southern part of the crater floor. The THEMIS VIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. These false color images may reveal subtle variations of the surface not easily identified in a single band image. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 71,000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images! Orbit Number: 66602 Latitude: -47.0551 Longitude: 19.446 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2016-12-18 21:42 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22265
Floor-Fractured Craters on Ceres and Implications for Internal Composition and Processes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Buczkowski, D.; Schenk, P.; Scully, J. E. C.; Park, R. S.; Preusker, F.; Raymond, C. A.; Russell, C. T.
2016-12-01
Several of the impact craters on Ceres have patterns of fractures on their floors. These fractures appear similar to those found within a class of lunar craters referred to as Floor-Fractured Craters (FFCs) [1]. Lunar FFCs are characterized by anomalously shallow floors cut by radial, concentric, and/or polygonal fractures, and have been classified into crater classes, Types 1 through 6, based on their morphometric properties [1,2]. Models for their formation have included both floor uplift due to magmatic intrusion below the crater or floor shallowing due to viscous relaxation. However, the observation that the depth versus diameter (d/D) relationship of the FFCs is distinctly shallower than the same association for other lunar craters supports the hypotheses that the floor fractures form due to shallow magmatic intrusion under the crater [2]. We have cataloged the Ceres FFCs according to the classification scheme designed for the Moon. Large (>50 km) Ceres FFCs are most consistent with Type 1 lunar FFCs, having deep floors, central peaks, wall terraces, and radial and/or concentric fractures. Smaller craters on Ceres are more consistent with Type 4 lunar FFCs, having less-pronounced floor fractures and v-shaped moats separating the wall scarp from the crater interior. An analysis of the d/D ratio for Ceres craters shows that, like lunar FFCs, the Ceres FFCs are anomalously shallow. This suggests that the fractures on the floor of Ceres FFCs may be due the intrusion of a low-density material below the craters that is uplifting their floors. While on the Moon the intrusive material is hypothesized to be silicate magma, this is unlikely for Ceres. However, a cryovolcanic extrusive edifice has been identified on Ceres [3], suggesting that cryomagmatic intrusions could be responsible for the formation of the Ceres FFCs. References: [1] Schultz P. (1976) Moon, 15, 241-273 [2] Jozwiak L.M. et al (2015) JGR 117, doi: 10.1029/2012JE004134 [3] Ruesch O. et al (2016) Science
Parabolic features and the erosion rate on Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Strom, Robert G.
1993-01-01
The impact cratering record on Venus consists of 919 craters covering 98 percent of the surface. These craters are remarkably well preserved, and most show pristine structures including fresh ejecta blankets. Only 35 craters (3.8 percent) have had their ejecta blankets embayed by lava and most of these occur in the Atla-Beta Regio region; an area thought to be recently active. parabolic features are associated with 66 of the 919 craters. These craters range in size from 6 to 105 km diameter. The parabolic features are thought to be the result of the deposition of fine-grained ejecta by winds in the dense venusian atmosphere. The deposits cover about 9 percent of the surface and none appear to be embayed by younger volcanic materials. However, there appears to be a paucity of these deposits in the Atla-Beta Regio region, and this may be due to the more recent volcanism in this area of Venus. Since parabolic features are probably fine-grain, wind-deposited ejecta, then all impact craters on Venus probably had these deposits at some time in the past. The older deposits have probably been either eroded or buried by eolian processes. Therefore, the present population of these features is probably associated with the most recent impact craters on the planet. Furthermore, the size/frequency distribution of craters with parabolic features is virtually identical to that of the total crater population. This suggests that there has been little loss of small parabolic features compared to large ones, otherwise there should be a significant and systematic paucity of craters with parabolic features with decreasing size compared to the total crater population. Whatever is erasing the parabolic features apparently does so uniformly regardless of the areal extent of the deposit. The lifetime of parabolic features and the eolian erosion rate on Venus can be estimated from the average age of the surface and the present population of parabolic features.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stoddard, P. R.; Jurdy, D. M.
2006-12-01
Venus' surface hosts nearly 1000 unambiguous impact craters, ranging in diameter from 1.5 to 280 km. Although the majority of these are pristine, slightly less than 200 have been modified by either volcanic or tectonic activity or both. In addition, numerous researchers have identified hundreds of ring-like features of varying morphology, termed "coronae." These have typically been thought of as having a diapiric or volcanic origin. Recently, however, based on the circular to quasi-circular nature of coronae, an alternative origin - impact - has been proposed. We compare the profiles across agreed-upon craters to several coronae that have been suggested as impact sites. For each feature, 36 profiles (taken every ten degrees) are aligned and then averaged together. For Mead, Cleopatra, Meitner, and Isabella craters, the profiles display the typical rim and basin structure expected for craters, but for Klenova crater the average is more domal, with only a few of the individual profiles looking crater-like. Among the "contested" coronae, the average profiles for Eurynome, Maya, and C21 appear crater-like, albeit with more variation among the individual profiles than seen in the agreed-upon craters. Anquet has a rim-and-basin structure, but unlike typical craters, the basin is elevated above the surrounding plains. Acrea appears to be a small hill in a large depression, again with a high degree of variability among the profiles. Ninhursag is clearly domal, and cannot be taken as a crater. A summary of the variability of the profiles - where 100% correlation would indicate perfect circular symmetry - indicates that, with the exception of Klenova, those features universally agreed-upon as craters have the highest correlation percentages - all at or above 80%. The disputed features are not as circular, although C21 is close. Based on this analysis, we conclude that Klenova has been mischaracterized as an impact crater, and that C21 and some other features previously classified as coronae may indeed be of impact origin. More careful analyses will be necessary to assess the origin of similar features.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tye, A. R.; Fassett, C. I.; Head, J. W.; Mazarico, E.; Basilevsky, A. T.; Neumann, G. A.; Smith, D. E.; Zuber, M. T.
2015-01-01
The interiors of the lunar south circumpolar craters Haworth, Shoemaker, Faustini, and Shackleton contain permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) and have been interpreted to contain sequestered volatiles including water ice. Altimetry data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter provide a new means of examining the permanently shadowed interiors of these craters in unprecedented detail. In this study, we used extremely high-resolution gridded LOLA data of Haworth, Shoemaker, Faustini, and Shackleton to determine the size-frequency distributions and the spatial density of craters superposing their rims, inner slopes, and floors. Based on their population of superposed D greater than or equal to 2 km craters, Haworth, Shoemaker, and Faustini have pre-Nectarian formation ages. Shackleton is interpreted as having a Late Imbrian age on the basis of craters with diameter D greater than or equal to 0.5 km superposed on its rim. The local density of craters with sub-km diameters across our study area is strongly dependent on slope; because of its steep interior slopes, the lifetime of craters on the interior of Shackleton is limited. The slope-dependence of the small crater population implies that the population in this size range is controlled primarily by the rate at which craters are destroyed. This is consistent with the hypothesis that crater removal and resurfacing is a result of slopedependent processes such as diffusive mass wasting and seismic shaking, linked to micrometeorite and meteorite bombardment. Epithermal neutron flux data and UV albedo data show that these circumpolar PSRs, particularly Shoemaker, may have approximately 1-2% water ice by mass in their highly porous surface regolith, and that Shoemaker may have approximately 5% or more water ice by mass in the near subsurface. The ancient formation ages of Shoemaker, Faustini and Haworth, and the Late Imbrian (approximately 3.5 Ga) crater retention ages of their floors suggests that any water ice that might have been deposited in their permanently shadowed areas was insufficient to modify the superposed crater population since that time.
Searching for Terrain Softening near Mercury's North Pole
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cobian, P. S.; Vilas, F.; Lederer, S. M.; Barlow, N. G.
2004-01-01
In 1999, following the initial discovery of radar bright craters near both poles of Mercury measured the depth-todiameter (d/D) ratios of 170 impact craters in Mariner 10 images covering four different regions on Mercury s surface. Rapid softening of crater structure, indicated by lower d/D ratios, could indicate the possibility of subsurface water ice in Mercury's terrain originating from an internal source in the planet. Their study included 3 specific radar bright craters suggested to contain ice. They concluded that no terrain softening was apparent, and a rapidly emplaced exogenic water source was the most likely source for the proposed ice in these craters. Recent radar observations of the Mercurian North pole have pinpointed many additional radar bright areas with a resolution 10x better than previous radar measurements, and which correlate with craters imaged by Mariner 10. These craters are correlated with regions that are permanently shaded from direct sunlight, and are consistent with observations of clean water ice. We have expanded the initial study by Barlow et al. to include d/D measurements of 12 craters newly identified as radar bright at latitudes poleward of +80o. The radar reflectivity resemblances to Mars south polar cap and echoes from three icy Galilean satellites suggest that these craters too may have polar ice on Mercury. The effect of subsurface H20 on impact craters is a decrease in its d/D ratio, and softening of crater rims over a period of time. The study of Barlow et al., focused on determining the d/D ratios of 170 impact craters in the Borealis (north polar), Tolstoj (equatorial), Kuiper (equatorial), and Bach (south polar) quadrangles. This work focuses on the newly discovered radar bright craters, investigating their d/D ratios as an expansion of the earlier work..We compare our results to the statistical results from Barlow et al. here. With the upcoming Messenger spacecraft mission to Mercury, this is an especially timely study whose result could potentially help the Messenger team as they develop a mission strategy.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Harriss, Kathryn H.; Burchell, Mark J.
2017-07-01
Many bodies in the outer solar system are theorized to have an ice shell with a different subsurface material below, be it chondritic, regolith, or a subsurface ocean. This layering can have a significant influence on the morphology of impact craters. Accordingly, we have undertaken laboratory hypervelocity impact experiments on a range of multilayered targets, with interiors of water, sand, and basalt. Impact experiments were undertaken using impact speeds in the range of 0.8-5.3 km s-1, a 1.5 mm Al ball bearing projectile, and an impact incidence of 45°. The surface ice crust had a thickness between 5 and 50 mm, i.e., some 3-30 times the projectile diameter. The thickness of the ice crust as well as the nature of the subsurface layer (liquid, well consolidated, etc.) have a marked effect on the morphology of the resulting impact crater, with thicker ice producing a larger crater diameter (at a given impact velocity), and the crater diameter scaling with impact speed to the power 0.72 for semi-infinite ice, but with 0.37 for thin ice. The density of the subsurface material changes the structure of the crater, with flat crater floors if there is a dense, well-consolidated subsurface layer (basalt) or steep, narrow craters if there is a less cohesive subsurface (sand). The associated faulting in the ice surface is also dependent on ice thickness and the substrate material. We find that the ice layer (in impacts at 5 km s-1) is effectively semi-infinite if its thickness is more than 15.5 times the projectile diameter. Below this, the crater diameter is reduced by 4% for each reduction in ice layer thickness equal to the impactor diameter. Crater depth is also affected. In the ice thickness region, 7-15.5 times the projectile diameter, the crater shape in the ice is modified even when the subsurface layer is not penetrated. For ice thicknesses, <7 times the projectile diameter, the ice layer is breached, but the nature of the resulting crater depends heavily on the subsurface material. If the subsurface is noncohesive (loose) material, a crater forms in it. If it is dense, well-consolidated basalt, no crater forms in the exposed subsurface layer.
Surface ages of mid-size saturnian satellites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Di Sisto, Romina P.; Zanardi, Macarena
2016-01-01
The observations of the surfaces of the mid-sized saturnian satellites made by Cassini-Huygens mission have shown a variety of features that allows study of the processes that took place and are taking place on those worlds. Research of the saturnian satellite surfaces has clear implications not only for Saturn's history and Saturn's surroundings, but also for the Solar System. Crater counting from high definition images is very important and could serve for the determination of the age of the surfaces. In a recent paper, we have calculated the production of craters on the mid-sized saturnian satellites by Centaur objects considering the current configuration of the Solar System. Also, we have compared our results with crater counts from Cassini images by other authors and we have noted that the number of observed small craters is less than our calculated theoretical number. In this paper we estimate the age of the surface for each observed terrain on each mid-sized satellite of Saturn. All the surfaces analyzed appear to be old with the exception of Enceladus. However, we have noticed that since there are less observed small craters than calculated (except on Iapetus), this results in younger ages than expected. This could be the result of efficient endogenous or exogenous process(es) for erasing small craters and/or crater saturation at those sizes. The size limit from which the observed number of smaller craters is less than the calculated is different for each satellite, possibly indicating processes that are unique to each, but other potential common explanations for this paucity of small craters would be crater saturation and/or deposition of E-ring particles. These processes are also suggested by the findings that the smaller craters are being preferentially removed, and the erasure process is gradual. On Enceladus, only mid and high latitude plains have remnants of old terrains; the other regions could be young. In particular, the regions near the South Polar Terrain could be as young as 50 Myr old. On the contrary for Iapetus, all the surface is old and it notably registers a primordial source of craters. As the crater size is decreased, it would be perceived to approach saturation until D≲ 2 km-craters, where saturation is complete.
Investigations of Ceres's Craters with Straightened Rim
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Frigeri, A.; De Sanctis, M. C.; Ammannito, E.; Raponi, A.; Formisano, M.; Ciarniello, M.; Magni, G.; Combe, J. P.; Marchi, S.; Raymond, C. A.; Schwartz, S. J.
2017-12-01
Dwarf planet Ceres hosts some geological features that are unique in the solar system because its composition, rich in aqueously-altered silicates, is usually found on full-size planets, whereas its mean radius is smaller than most natural satellites in the solar system. For example, the local high-albedo, carbonate-rich areas or faculaeare specific to Ceres; also, the absence of big impact crater structures is key to understand the overall mechanical behaviour of the Cerean crust. After the first findings of water ice occurring in the shadowed areas of craters on Ceres by the NASA/Dawn mission (1, 2), we analyzed the morphology of craters looking for features similar to the ones where the water ice composition has been detected analyzing the data from the VIR spectrometer (3). These craters fall outside of the family of polygonal craters which are mainly related to regional or global scale tectonics (4). We analyzed the morphology on the base of the global mosaic, the digital terrain model derived by using the stereo photogrammetry method and the single data frames of the Framing Camera. Our investigation started from crater Juling, which is characterized by a portion of the rim which forms a straight segment instead of a portion of a circle. This linear crater wall is also steep enough that it forms a cliff that is in the shadowed area in all images acquired by Dawn. Very smooth and bright deposits lay at the foot of this crater-wall cliff. Then, we identified several other craters, relatively fresh, with radius of 2 to 10 kilometers, showing one or two sectors of the crater-rim being truncated by a mass-wasting process, probably a rockfall. Our first analysis show that in the selected craters, the truncated sectors are always in the north-eastern sector of the rim for the craters in the southern hemisphere. Conversely, the craters on the northern hemisphere exhibit a truncated rim in their south-eastern sector. Although a more detailed analysis is mandatory, these first observation are particularly intriguing as they would correlate the mechanical behaviour of the Cerean cust with the presence of ground-ice and the illumination conditions. (1) Platz et al., 2016, Nature Communications. (2) Raponi et al. submitted to Science Advances. (3) Combe et al., submitted to Icarus. (4) Otto et al., LPSC 2017
Geomorphology of Lowell crater region on the Moon
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Srivastava, N.; Varatharajan, I.
2016-03-01
Surface topography, surface morphology and crater chronology studies have been carried out for the Lowell crater region (occupying ∼198 × 198 km2 in the northwestern quadrant of the Orientale basin) using Kaguya TC-DTM, LRO-WAC data, and Chandrayaan-1 M3-750 nm image, to characterize and date Lowell impact event and to identify and assess the geological importance of the Lowell crater and effect of pre-existing geological conditions on the present day appearance of Lowell crater. The Lowell crater has been found to be polygonal in shape with an average diameter of 69.03 km. Its average rim height and depth from pre-existing surface are 1.02 km and 2.82 km respectively. A prominent central peak with average height of 1.77 km above the crater floor is present, which could have exposed undifferentiated mantle rocks. The peak exhibits a pronounced ;V; shaped slumped zone on the eastern side and a distinct ;V; shaped depression in the adjacent region on the crater floor. Several other peculiarities noticed and mapped here include W-E asymmetry in the degree of slumping of the walls and height of the topographic rim, N-S asymmetry in the proximal ejecta distribution with most of the material lying in the northern direction, concentration of exterior melt pools in the northeastern direction only, presence of several cross cutting pre-existing lineaments on the crater walls, presence of a superposed rayed crater on the eastern wall, and a geologically interesting resurfaced unit, which could be an outcome of recent volcanic activity in the region. It has been inferred that the Lowell crater formed due to impact of a ∼5.7 km diameter bolide in the Montes Rook region. The impact occurred at an angle of ∼30-45° from the S-SW direction. The age of the Lowell crater has been estimated as 374 ± 28 Ma, therefore it is a Younger Copernican crater consistent with the possibility expressed by McEwen et al. (McEwen, A.S., et al. [1993]. J. Geophys. Res. 98(E9), 17207-17231). Pre-existing topography and morphology has played a key role in shaping up the present day Lowell crater.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stewart, Sarah T.; Valiant, Gregory J.
2006-10-01
The geometry of simple impact craters reflects the properties of the target materials, and the diverse range of fluidized morphologies observed in Martian ejecta blankets are controlled by the near-surface composition and the climate at the time of impact. Using the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data set, quantitative information about the strength of the upper crust and the dynamics of Martian ejecta blankets may be derived from crater geometry measurements. Here, we present the results from geometrical measurements of fresh craters 3-50 km in rim diameter in selected highland (Lunae and Solis Plana) and lowland (Acidalia, Isidis, and Utopia Planitiae) terrains. We find large, resolved differences between the geometrical properties of the freshest highland and lowland craters. Simple lowland craters are 1.5-2.0 times deeper (≥5σo difference) with >50% larger cavities (≥2σo) compared to highland craters of the same diameter. Rim heights and the volume of material above the preimpact surface are slightly greater in the lowlands over most of the size range studied. The different shapes of simple highland and lowland craters indicate that the upper ˜6.5 km of the lowland study regions are significantly stronger than the upper crust of the highland plateaus. Lowland craters collapse to final volumes of 45-70% of their transient cavity volumes, while highland craters preserve only 25-50%. The effective yield strength of the upper crust in the lowland regions falls in the range of competent rock, approximately 9-12 MPa, and the highland plateaus may be weaker by a factor of 2 or more, consistent with heavily fractured Noachian layered deposits. The measured volumes of continuous ejecta blankets and uplifted surface materials exceed the predictions from standard crater scaling relationships and Maxwell's Z model of crater excavation by a factor of 3. The excess volume of fluidized ejecta blankets on Mars cannot be explained by concentration of ejecta through nonballistic emplacement processes and/or bulking. The observations require a modification of the scaling laws and are well fit using a scaling factor of ˜1.4 between the transient crater surface diameter to the final crater rim diameter and excavation flow originating from one projectile diameter depth with Z = 2.7. The refined excavation model provides the first observationally constrained set of initial parameters for study of the formation of fluidized ejecta blankets on Mars.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salamunićcar, Goran; Lončarić, Sven
Crater detection algorithms (CDAs) are an important subject of recent scientific research, as evident from the numerous recent publications in the field [ASR, 42 (1), 6-19]. In our previous work: (1) all the craters from the major currently available manually assembled catalogues have been merged into the catalogue with 57633 known Martian impact-craters [PSS, 56 (15), 1992-2008]; and (2) the CDA (developed to search for still uncatalogued impact-craters using 1/128° MOLA data) has been used to extend GT-57633 catalogue with 57592 additional craters resulting in GT-115225 catalog [GRS, 48 (5), in press, doi:10.1109/TGRS.2009.2037750]. On the other hand, the most complete catalog for Moon is the Morphological catalog of Lunar craters [edited by V. V. Shevchenko], which includes information on 14923 craters larger than 10km, visible on the lunar nearside and farside. This was the main motivation for application of our CDA to newly available Lunar SELENE LALT data. However, one of the main differences between MOLA and LALT data is the highest available resolution, wherein MOLA is available in 1/128° and LALT in 1/16° . The consequence is that only the largest craters can be detected using LALT dataset. However, this is still an excellent opportunity for further work on CDA in order to prepare it for forthcoming LRO LOLA data (which is expected to be in even better resolution than MOLA). The importance is in the fact that morphologically Martian and Lunar craters are not the same. Therefore, it is important to use the dataset for Moon in order to work on the CDA which is meant for detection of Lunar craters as well. In order to overcome the problem of currently available topography data in low resolution only, we particularly concentrated our work on the CDA's capability to detect very small craters relative to available dataset (up to the extreme case wherein the radius is as small as only two pixels). For this purpose, we improved the previous CDA with a new algorithm for sub-pixel interpolation of elevation samples, before subsequent computations. For elevation samples on larger distances from the crater's center, linear interpolation was used in order to speed-up the computations. For samples closer to the crater's center, the elevation value at the crater's center and relative sub-pixel distance to the selected elevation sample is additionally taken into account. The purpose is to compute the most realistic values for estimated elevation at a selected point. The results are, according to the initial visual evaluation, that numerous craters were successfully detected using SELENE LALT data.
Discovering research value in the Campo del Cielo, Argentina, meteorite craters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cassidy, William A.; Renard, Marc L.
1996-07-01
The Campo del Cielo meteorite crater field in Argentina contains at least 20 small meteorite craters, but a recent review of the field data and a remote sensing study suggest that there may be more. The fall occurred ˜4000 years ago into a uniform loessy soil, and the craters are well enough preserved so that some of their parameters of impact can be determined after excavation. The craters were formed by multi-ton fragments of a type IA meteoroid with abundant silicate inclusions. Relative to the horizontal, the angle of infall was ˜9°. Reflecting the low angle of infall, the crater field is elongated with apparent dimensions of 3 × 18.5 km. The largest craters are near the center of this ellipse. This suggests that when the parent meteoroid broke apart, the resulting fragments diverged from the original trajectory in inverse relation to their masses and did not undergo size sorting due to atmospheric deceleration. The major axis of the crater field as we know it extends along N63°E, but the azimuths of infall determined by excavation of Craters 9 and 10 are N83.5°E and N75.5°E, respectively. This suggests that the major axis of the crater field is not yet well determined. The three or four largest craters appear to have been formed by impacts that disrupted the projectiles, scattering fragments around the outsides of the craters and leaving no large masses within them; these are relatively symmetrical in shape. Other craters are elongated features with multi-ton masses preserved within them and no fragmentation products outside. There are two ways in which field research on the Campo del Cielo crater field is found to be useful. (1) Studies exist that have been used to interpret impact craters on planetary surfaces other than the Earth. This occurrence of a swarm of projectiles impacting at known angles and similar velocities into a uniform target material provides an excellent field site at which to test the applicability of those studies. (2) Individual craters at Campo del Cielo can yield the masses of the projectiles that formed them and their velocities, angles and azimuths of impact. From these data, there is a possibility to estimate parameters for the parent meteoroid at entry and, thus, learn enough about its orbit to judge whether or not it was compatible with an asteroidal origin. Preliminary indications are that it was. Campo del Cielo is a IA iron meteorite and Sikhote-Alin, an observed fall, is a IIB iron meteorite in Wasson's classification. The Sterlitamak iron, also an observed fall, is a medium octahedrite in the Prior-Hey classification. It would be interesting to compare their orbital parameters.
Crater topography on Titan: Implications for landscape evolution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Neish, C.; Kirk, R.; Lorenz, R.; Bray, V.; Schenk, P.; Stiles, B.; Turtle, E.; Cassini Radar Team
2012-04-01
Unique among the icy satellites, Titan’s surface shows evidence for extensive modification by fluvial and aeolian erosion, which act to change the topography of its surface over time. Quantifying the extent of this landscape evolution is difficult, since the original, ‘non-eroded’ surface topography is generally unknown. However, fresh craters on icy satellites have a well-known shape and morphology, which has been determined from extensive studies on the airless worlds of the outer solar system (Schenk et al., 2004). By comparing the topography of craters on Titan to similarly sized, pristine analogues on airless bodies, we can obtain one of the few direct measures of the amount of erosion that has occurred on Titan. Cassini RADAR has imaged >30% of the surface of Titan, and more than 60 potential craters have been identified in this data set (Wood et al., 2010; Neish and Lorenz, 2012). Topographic information for these craters can be obtained from a technique known as ‘SARTopo’, which estimates surface heights by comparing the calibration of overlapping synthetic aperture radar (SAR) beams (Stiles et al., 2009). We present topography data for several craters on Titan, and compare the data to similarly sized craters on Ganymede, for which topography has been extracted from stereo-derived digital elevation models (Bray et al., 2012). We find that the depths of craters on Titan are generally within the range of depths observed on Ganymede, but several hundreds of meters shallower than the average (Fig. 1). A statistical comparison between the two data sets suggests that it is extremely unlikely that Titan’s craters were selected from the depth distribution of fresh craters on Ganymede, and that is it much more probable that the relative depths of Titan are uniformly distributed between ‘fresh’ and ‘completely infilled’. This is consistent with an infilling process that varies linearly with time, such as aeolian infilling. Figure 1: Depth of craters on Titan (gray diamonds) compared to similarly sized, fresh craters on Ganymede (central peaks, +; central pits, *) and a handful of relaxed craters (black squares) from Bray et al. (2012). References: Bray, V., et al.: "Ganymede crater dimensions - implications for central peak and central pit formation and development". Icarus, Vol. 217, pp. 115-129, 2012. Neish, C.D., Lorenz, R.D.: "Titan’s global crater population: A new assessment". Planetary and Space Science, Vol. 60, pp. 26-33, 2012. Schenk, P.M., et al.: "Ages and interiors: the cratering record of the Galilean satellites". In: Bagenal, F., McKinnon, W.B. (Eds.), Jupiter: The Planet, Satellites, and Magnetosphere, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 427-456, 2004. Stiles, B.W., et al.: "Determining Titan surface topography from Cassini SAR data". Icarus, Vol. 202, pp. 584-598, 2009. Wood, C.A., et al.: "Impact craters on Titan". Icarus, Vol. 206, pp. 334-344, 2010.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jozwiak, Lauren M.; Head, James W.; Wilson, Lionel
2015-03-01
Lunar floor-fractured craters are a class of 170 lunar craters with anomalously shallow, fractured floors. Two end-member processes have been proposed for the floor formation: viscous relaxation, and subcrater magmatic intrusion and sill formation. Recent morphometric analysis with new Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and image (LROC) data supports an origin related to shallow magmatic intrusion and uplift. We find that the distribution and characteristics of the FFC population correlates strongly with crustal thickness and the predicted frequency distribution of overpressurization values of magmatic dikes. For a typical nearside lunar crustal thickness, dikes with high overpressurization values favor surface effusive eruptions, medium values favor intrusion and sill formation, and low values favor formation of solidified dikes concentrated lower in the crust. We develop a model for this process, make predictions for the morphologic, morphometric, volcanic, and geophysical consequences of the process and then compare these predictions with the population of observed floor-fractured craters. In our model, the process of magmatic intrusion and sill formation begins when a dike propagates vertically towards the surface; as the dike encounters the underdense brecciated region beneath the crater, the magmatic driving pressure is insufficient to continue vertical propagation, but pressure in the stalled dike exceeds the local lithostatic pressure. The dike then begins to propagate laterally forming a sill which does not propagate past the crater floor region because increased overburden pressure from the crater wall and rim crest pinch off the dike at this boundary; the sill then continues to inflate, further raising and fracturing the brittle crater floor. When the intrusion diameter to intrusion depth ratio is smaller than a critical value, the intrusion assumes a laccolith shape with a domed central region. When the ratio exceeds a critical value, the intrusion concentrates bending primarily at the periphery, resulting in a flat, tabular intrusion. We predict that this process will result in concentric fractures over the region of greatest bending. This location is close to the crater wall in large, flat-floored craters, as observed in the crater Humboldt, and interior to the crater over the domed floor in smaller craters, as observed in the crater Vitello. A variety of volcanic features are predicted to be associated with the solidification and degassing of the intrusion; these include: (1) surface lava flows associated with concentric fractures (e.g., in the crater Humboldt); (2) vents with no associated pyroclastic material, from the deflation of under-pressurized magmatic foam (e.g., the crater Damoiseau); and (3) vents with associated pyroclastic deposits from vulcanian eruptions of highly pressurized magmatic foam (e.g., the crater Alphonsus). The intrusion of basaltic magma beneath the crater is predicted to contribute a positive component to the Bouguer gravity anomaly; we assess the predicted Bouguer anomalies associated with FFCs and outline a process for their future interpretation. We conclude that our proposed mechanism serves as a viable formation process for FFCs and accurately predicts numerous morphologic, morphometric, and geophysical features associated with FFCs. These predictions can be further tested using GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) data.
Things Aren't Always What They Seem
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
This mosaic was assembled from images taken by the panoramic camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit at a region dubbed 'site 31.' Spirit is looking at 'Missoula Crater.' From orbit, the features within the crater appeared to be ejecta from the younger 'Bonneville Crater,' but Spirit's closer look revealed wind-blown drift deposits, not ejecta, within Missoula Crater.Human Estimation of Slope, Distance, and Height of Terrain in Simulated Lunar Conditions
2009-02-01
directions. During the Apollo 14 hike to Cone Crater, Astronaut Mitchell recognized the crater “Old Nameless ” and judged its distance as 200 – 300...and Mitchell approached Station B2 during their climb of Cone Crater in Apollo 14, they approached a larger crater, thought to be “Old Nameless ” [44
Inside Victoria Crater for Extended Exploration
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2007-01-01
After a finishing an in-and-out maneuver to check wheel slippage near the rim of Victoria Crater, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity re-entered the crater during the rover's 1,293rd Martian day, or sol, (Sept. 13, 2007) to begin a weeks-long exploration of the inner slope. Opportunity's front hazard-identification camera recorded this wide-angle view looking down into and across the crater at the end of the day's drive. The rover's position was about six meters (20 feet) inside the rim, in the 'Duck Bay' alcove of the crater.Oblique view of crater Theophilus at northwest edge of Sea of Nectar
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1969-01-01
An Apollo 11 oblique view of the large crater Theophilus located at the northwest edge of the Sea of Nectar on the lunar nearside. Theophilus is about 60 statute miles in diameter. the smooth area is Mare Nectaris. The smaller crater Madler, about 14 statute miles in diameter, is located to the east of Theophilus. Visible in the background are the large crater Fracastorius and the smaller crater Beaumont. The coordinates of the center of this photograph are 29 degrees east longitude and 11 degrees south latitude.
Constraints on early events in Martian history as derived from the cratering record
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barlow, Nadine G.
1990-01-01
Constrains on early events in Martian history are derived using the planet's cratering record. Variations in the shapes of the crater size-frequency distribution curves are interpreted as indicative of the size-frequency distribution of the production populations, thus providing information about the age of the unit relative to the end of the heavy bombardment period. Results from the analysis of craters superposed on heavily cratered units across the Martian surface provide constraints on the hemispheric dichotomy and the early erosional conditions on Mars.
The Variability of Crater Identification Among Expert and Community Crater Analysts
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Robbins, S. J.; Antonenko, I.; Kirchoff, M. R.; Chapman, C. R.; Fassett, C. I.; Herrick, R. R.; Singer, K.; Zanetti, M.; Lehan, C.; Huang, D.; Gay, P.
2014-04-01
Statistical studies of impact crater populations have been used to model ages of planetary surfaces for several decades [1]. This assumes that crater counts are approximately invariant and a "correct" population will be identified if the analyst is skilled and diligent. However, the reality is that crater identification is somewhat subjective, so variability between analysts, or even a single analyst's variation from day-to-day, is expected [e.g., 2, 3]. This study was undertaken to quantify that variability within an expert analyst population and between experts and minimally trained volunteers.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Neukum, G.; Hiller, K.
1981-01-01
Four discussions are conducted: (1) the methodology of relative age determination by impact crater statistics, (2) a comparison of proposed Martian impact chronologies for the determination of absolute ages from crater frequencies, (3) a report on work dating Martian volcanoes and erosional features by impact crater statistics, and (4) an attempt to understand the main features of Martian history through a synthesis of crater frequency data. Two cratering chronology models are presented and used for inference of absolute ages from crater frequency data, and it is shown that the interpretation of all data available and tractable by the methodology presented leads to a global Martian geological history that is characterized by two epochs of activity. It is concluded that Mars is an ancient planet with respect to its surface features.
Deposition, exhumation, and paleoclimate of an ancient lake deposit, Gale crater, Mars
Grotzinger, J.P.; Gupta, S.; Malin, M.C.; Rubin, D.M.; Schieber, J.; Siebach, K.; Sumner, D.Y.; Stack, K.M.; Vasavada, A.R.; Arvidson, R.E.; Calef, F.; Edgar, Lauren; Fischer, W.F.; Grant, J.A.; Griffes, J.L.; Kah, L.C.; Lamb, M.P.; Lewis, K.W.; Mangold, N.; Minitti, M.E.; Palucis, M.C.; Rice, M.; Williams, R.M.E.; Yingst, R.A.; Blake, D.; Blaney, D.; Conrad, P.; Crisp, J.A.; Dietrich, W.E.; Dromart, G.; Edgett, K.S.; Ewing, R.C.; Gellert, R.; Hurowitz, J.A.; Kocurek, G.; Mahaffy, P.G.; McBride, M.J.; McLennan, S.M.; Mischna, M.A.; Ming, D.; Milliken, R.E.; Newsom, H.; Oehler, D.; Parker, T.J.; Vaniman, D.; Wiens, R.C.; Wilson, S.A.
2015-01-01
The landforms of northern Gale crater on Mars expose thick sequences of sedimentary rocks. Based on images obtained by the Curiosity rover, we interpret these outcrops as evidence for past fluvial, deltaic, and lacustrine environments. Degradation of the crater wall and rim probably supplied these sediments, which advanced inward from the wall, infilling both the crater and an internal lake basin to a thickness of at least 75 meters. This intracrater lake system probably existed intermittently for thousands to millions of years, implying a relatively wet climate that supplied moisture to the crater rim and transported sediment via streams into the lake basin. The deposits in Gale crater were then exhumed, probably by wind-driven erosion, creating Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp).
Size-velocity distribution of large ejecta fragments
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vickery, A. M.
1986-01-01
The characteristics of three primary extraterrestrial craters and the associated craters were examined to generate a size-velocity distribution for large ejecta fragments. The lunar craters Copernicus and Aristillus and the Martian crater Dv on Olympus Mons were used. Attention was focused on the radial distances between the primary and secondary crater centers and the diameters of the secondaries. The primary craters selected are all relatively young, which avoided contamination of the data from secondaries from other primaries. Attempts were made to account for the speed of the hypervelocity impacts and the elemental compositions of the impactors. An apparent velocity cutoff of about 1 km/sec was observed for the secondaries, which implies that no meteoroid impacts can accelerate ejecta to escape velocities from the moon or Mars.
La producción de cráteres en el Sistema de Satélites de Saturno
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zanardi, M.; Di Sisto, R. P.
The saturnian satellite system has been observed by the Cassini-Huygens mission, in particular the impact craters on them. These satellites present a diversity of surfaces which could help us to understand about their history. To study the production of craters on these satellites, we develop a theoretical model from previous simulations and we obtain the contribution of Centaur objects to the production of craters. We calculate the number of craters for a given size and the greatest crater produced by Centaur objects. This allowed us to compare our theoretical results with the observations by the Cassini-Huygens and determine the origin of craters as well as constrain the size distribution of Centaurs. FULL TEXT IN SPANISH
1997-07-18
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) workers David Rice, at left, and Johnny Melendez rotate a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to the horizontal position on a lift fixture in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The RTG is one of three generators which will provide electrical power for the Cassini spacecraft mission to the Saturnian system. The RTGs will be installed on the powered-up spacecraft for mechanical and electrical verification testing. RTGs use heat from the natural decay of plutonium to generate electric power. The generators enable spacecraft to operate far from the Sun where solar power systems are not feasible. The Cassini mission is scheduled for an Oct. 6 launch aboard a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle. Cassini is built and managed for NASA by JPL
Effects of Pre-Existing Target Structure on the Formation of Large Craters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barnouin-Jha, O. S.; Cintala, M. J.; Crawford, D. A.
2003-01-01
The shapes of large-scale craters and the mechanics responsible for melt generation are influenced by broad and small-scale structures present in a target prior to impact. For example, well-developed systems of fractures often create craters that appear square in outline, good examples being Meteor Crater, AZ and the square craters of 433 Eros. Pre-broken target material also affects melt generation. Kieffer has shown how the shock wave generated in Coconino sandstone at Meteor crater created reverberations which, in combination with the natural target heterogeneity present, created peaks and troughs in pressure and compressed density as individual grains collided to produce a range of shock mineralogies and melts within neighboring samples. In this study, we further explore how pre-existing target structure influences various aspects of the cratering process. We combine experimental and numerical techniques to explore the connection between the scales of the impact generated shock wave and the pre-existing target structure. We focus on the propagation of shock waves in coarse, granular media, emphasizing its consequences on excavation, crater growth, ejecta production, cratering efficiency, melt generation, and crater shape. As a baseline, we present a first series of results for idealized targets where the particles are all identical in size and possess the same shock impedance. We will also present a few results, whereby we increase the complexities of the target properties by varying the grain size, strength, impedance and frictional properties. In addition, we investigate the origin and implications of reverberations that are created by the presence of physical and chemical heterogeneity in a target.
Migration of the Cratering Flow-Field Center with Implications for Scaling Oblique Impacts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anderson, J. L. B.; Schultz, P. H.; Heineck, J. T.
2004-01-01
Crater-scaling relationships are used to predict many cratering phenomena such as final crater diameter and ejection speeds. Such nondimensional relationships are commonly determined from experimental impact and explosion data. Almost without exception, these crater-scaling relationships have used data from vertical impacts (90 deg. to the horizontal). The majority of impact craters, however, form by impacts at angles near 45 deg. to the horizontal. While even low impact angles result in relatively circular craters in sand targets, the effects of impact angle have been shown to extend well into the excavation stage of crater growth. Thus, the scaling of oblique impacts needs to be investigated more thoroughly in order to quantify fully how impact angle affects ejection speed and angle. In this study, ejection parameters from vertical (90 deg.) and 30 deg. oblique impacts are measured using three-dimensional particle image velocimetry (3D PIV) at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR). The primary goal is to determine the horizontal migration of the cratering flow-field center (FFC). The location of the FFC at the time of ejection controls the scaling of oblique impacts. For vertical impacts the FFC coincides with the impact point (IP) and the crater center (CC). Oblique impacts reflect a more complex, horizontally migrating flow-field. A single, stationary point-source model cannot be used accurately to describe the evolution of the ejection angles from oblique impacts. The ejection speeds for oblique impacts also do not follow standard scaling relationships. The migration of the FFC needs to be understood and incorporated into any revised scaling relationships.
Cratering rates on the Galilean satellites.
Zahnle, K; Dones, L; Levison, H F
1998-12-01
We exploit recent theoretical advances toward the origin and orbital evolution of comets and asteroids to obtain revised estimates for cratering rates in the jovian system. We find that most, probably more than 90%, of the craters on the Galilean satellites are caused by the impact of Jupiter-family comets (JFCs). These are comets with short periods, in generally low-inclination orbits, whose dynamics are dominated by Jupiter. Nearly isotropic comets (long period and Halley-type) contribute at the 1-10% level. Trojan asteroids might also be important at the 1-10% level; if they are important, they would be especially important for smaller craters. Main belt asteroids are currently unimportant, as each 20-km crater made on Ganymede implies the disruption of a 200-km diameter parental asteroid, a destruction rate far beyond the resources of today's asteroid belt. Twenty-kilometer diameter craters are made by kilometer-size impactors; such events occur on a Galilean satellite about once in a million years. The paucity of 20-km craters on Europa indicates that its surface is of order 10 Ma. Lightly cratered surfaces on Ganymede are nominally of order 0.5-1.0 Ga. The uncertainty in these estimates is about a factor of five. Callisto is old, probably more than 4 Ga. It is too heavily cratered to be accounted for by the current flux of JFCs. The lack of pronounced apex-antapex asymmetries on Ganymede may be compatible with crater equilibrium, but it is more easily understood as evidence for nonsynchronous rotation of an icy carapace. c 1998 Academic Press.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Malin, Michael C.; Grimm, Robert E.; Herrick, Robert R.
1993-01-01
Impact crater distributions and morphologies have traditionally played an important role in unraveling the geologic histories of terrestrial objects, and Venus has proved no exception. The key observations are: mean crater retention age about 500 Ma; apparently random spatial distribution; modest proportion (17 percent) of modified craters; and preferential association of modified craters with areas of low crater density. The simplest interpretation of these data alone is that Venus experienced global resurfacing (assumed to be largely volcanic) prior to 500 Ma, after which time resurfacing rates decreased dramatically. This scenario does not totally exclude present geological activity: some resurfacing and crater obliteration is occurring on part of the planet, but at rates much smaller than on Earth. An alternative endmember model holds that resurfacing is also spatially randomly distributed. Resurfacing of about 1 sq km/yr eliminates craters such that a typical portion of the surface has an age of 500 Ma, but actual ages range from zero to about 1000 Ma. Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the typical resurfacing 'patch' cannot exceed about 500 km in diameter without producing a crater distribution more heterogeneous than observed. Volcanic or tectonic processes within these patches must be locally intense to be able to obliterate craters completely and leave few modified. In this abstract, we describe how global geologic mapping may be used to test resurfacing hypotheses. We present preliminary evidence that the dominant mode of resurfacing on Venus is tectonism, not volcanism, and that this process must be ongoing today. Lastly, we outline a conceptual model in which to understand the relationship between global tectonics and crater distribution and preservation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hill, J. R.; Christensen, P. R.
2017-06-01
Following the most recent updates to the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System daytime and nighttime infrared global mosaics, a colorized global map was produced that combines the thermophysical information from the nighttime infrared global mosaic with the morphologic context of the daytime infrared global mosaic. During the validation of this map, large numbers of low thermal inertia ejecta deposits surrounding small young impact craters were observed. A near-global survey (60°N-60°S) identified 4024 of these low thermal inertia ejecta deposits, which were then categorized based on their apparent state of degradation. Mapping their locations revealed that they occur almost exclusively in regions with intermediate-to-high thermal inertias, with distinct clusters in northern Terra Sirenum, Solis Planum, and southwestern Daedalia Planum. High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment images show that the thermophysically distinct facies of the deposits are well correlated with the estimated average ejecta grain sizes, which decrease with radial distance from the crater. Comparisons with recent primary impact craters and secondary impact craters surrounding Zunil Crater show that the low thermal inertia ejecta deposits very closely resemble the secondary craters, but not the primary craters. We conclude that the low thermal inertia ejecta deposits are secondary impact crater ejecta deposits, many of which originated from the rayed crater primary impact events, and are both well preserved and easily identifiable due to the absence of dust cover and aeolian modification that would otherwise reduce the thermal contrast between the ejecta facies and the surrounding terrain.
Enhancing Magnetic Interpretation Towards Meteorite Impact Crater at Bukit Bunuh, Perak, Malaysia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nur Amalina, M. K. A.; Nordiana, M. M.; Saad, Rosli; Saidin, Mokhtar
2017-04-01
Bukit Bunuh is the most popular area of suspected meteorite impact crater. In the history of meteorite impact hitting the earth, Bukit Bunuh has complex crater of a rebound zone of positive magnetic anomaly value. This study area was located at Lenggong, Perak of peninsular Malaysia. The crater rim extended 5 km outwards with a clear subdued zone and immediately surround by a positive magnetic residual crater rim zone. A recent study was done to enhance the magnetic interpretation towards meteorite impact crater on this study area. The result obtained is being correlated with boreholes data to determine the range of local magnetic value. For the magnetic survey, the equipment used is Geometric G-856 Proton Precision magnetometers with the aids of other tools such as compass and GPS. In advance, the using of proton precision magnetometer causes it able in measures the magnetic fields separately within interval of second. Also, 18 boreholes are accumulated at study area to enhance the interpretation. The additional boreholes data had successfully described the structure of the impact crater at Bukit Bunuh in detailed where it is an eroded impact crater. Correlations with borehole records enlighten the results acquired from magnetic methods to be more reliable. A better insight of magnetic interpretation of Bukit Bunuh impact crater was done with the aid of geotechnical methods.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Clegg-Watkins, R. N.; Jolliff, B. L.; Lawrence, S. J.
2016-01-01
Boulders represent a landing hazard that must be addressed in the planning of future landings on the Moon. A boulder under a landing leg can contribute to deck tilt and boulders can damage spacecraft during landing. Using orbital data to characterize boulder populations at locations where landers have safely touched down (Apollo, Luna, Surveyor, and Chang'e-3 sites) is important for determining landing hazard criteria for future missions. Additionally, assessing the distribution of boulders can address broader science issues, e.g., how far craters distribute boulders and how this distribution varies as a function of crater size and age. The availability of new Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images [1] enables the use of boulder size- and range frequency distributions for a variety of purposes [2-6]. Boulders degrade over time and primarily occur around young or fresh craters that are large enough to excavate bedrock. Here we use NAC images to analyze boulder distributions around Cone crater (340 m diameter) at the Apollo 14 site. Cone crater (CC) was selected because it is the largest crater where astronaut surface photography is available for a radial traverse to the rim. Cone crater is young (approximately 29 Ma [7]) relative to the time required to break down boulders [3,8], giving us a data point for boulder range-frequency distributions (BRFDs) as a function of crater age.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jung, Jongil; Hong, Ik-Seon; Cho, Eunjin; Yi, Yu
2016-03-01
Caves can serve as major outposts for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars. In addition, caves can protect people and electronic equipment from external hazards such as cosmic ray radiation and meteorites impacts and serve as a shelter. Numerous pit craters have been discovered on the Moon and Mars and are potential entrances to caves; the principal topographic features of pit craters are their visible internal floors and pits with vertical walls. We have devised two topographical models for investigating the relationship between the topographical characteristics and the inner void of pit craters. One of our models is a concave floor void model and the other is a convex floor tube model. For each model, optical photographs have been obtained under conditions similar to those in which optical photographs have been acquired for craters on the Moon and Mars. Brightness profiles were analyzed for determining the profile patterns of the void pit craters. The profile patterns were compared to the brightness profiles of Martian pit craters, because no good-quality images of lunar pit craters were available. In future studies, the model profile patterns will be compared to those of lunar pit craters, and the proposed method will likely become useful for finding lunar caves and consequently for planning lunar bases for manned lunar expeditions.
Dione's resurfacing history as determined from a global impact crater database
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kirchoff, Michelle R.; Schenk, Paul
2015-08-01
Saturn's moon Dione has an interesting and unique resurfacing history recorded by the impact craters on its surface. In order to further resolve this history, we compile a crater database that is nearly global for diameters (D) equal to and larger than 4 km using standard techniques and Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem images. From this database, spatial crater density maps for different diameter ranges are generated. These maps, along with the observed surface morphology, have been used to define seven terrain units for Dione, including refinement of the smooth and "wispy" (or faulted) units from Voyager observations. Analysis of the terrains' crater size-frequency distributions (SFDs) indicates that: (1) removal of D ≈ 4-50 km craters in the "wispy" terrain was most likely by the formation of D ≳ 50 km craters, not faulting, and likely occurred over a couple billion of years; (2) resurfacing of the smooth plains was most likely by cryovolcanism at ∼2 Ga; (3) most of Dione's largest craters (D ⩾ 100 km), including Evander (D = 350 km), may have formed quite recently (<2 Ga), but are still relaxed, indicating Dione has been thermally active for at least half its history; and (4) the variation in crater SFDs at D ≈ 4-15 km is plausibly due to different levels of minor resurfacing (mostly subsequent large impacts) within each terrain.
Exploring Martian Impact Craters: Why They are Important for the Search for Life
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schwenzer, S. P.; Abramov, O.; Allen, C. C.; Clifford, S.; Filiberto, J.; Kring, D. A.; Lasue, J.; McGovern, P. J.; Newsom, H. E.; Treiman, A. H.;
2010-01-01
Fluvial features and evidence for aqueous alteration indicate that Mars was wet, at least partially and/or periodically, in the Noachian. Also, impact cratering appears to have been the dominant geological process [1] during that epoch. Thus, investigation of Noachian craters will further our understanding of this geologic process, its effects on the water-bearing Martian crust, and any life that may have been present at the time. Impact events disturbed and heated the water- and/or ice-bearing crust, likely initiated long-lived hydrothermal systems [2-4], and formed crater lakes [5], creating environments suitable for life [6]. Thus, Noachian impact craters are particularly important exploration targets because they provide a window into warm, water-rich environments of the past which were possibly conducive to life. In addition to the presence of lake deposits, assessment of the presence of hydrothermal deposits in the walls, floors and uplifts of craters is important in the search for life on Mars. Impact craters are also important for astrobiological exploration in other ways. For example, smaller craters can be used as natural excavation pits, and so can provide information and samples that would otherwise be inaccessible (e.g., [7]). In addition, larger (> 75 km) craters can excavate material from a potentially habitable region, even on present-day Mars, located beneath a >5-km deep cryosphere.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Neukum, G.
1988-01-01
In the absence of dates derived from rock samples, impact crater frequencies are commonly used to date Martian surface units. All models for absolute dating rely on the lunar cratering chronology and on the validity of its extrapolation to Martian conditions. Starting from somewhat different lunar chronologies, rather different Martian cratering chronologies are found in the literature. Currently favored models are compared. The differences at old ages are significant, the differences at younger ages are considerable and give absolute ages for the same crater frequencies as different as a factor of 3. The total uncertainty could be much higher, though, since the ratio of lunar to Martian cratering rate which is of basic importance in the models is believed to be known no better than within a factor of 2. Thus, it is of crucial importance for understanding the the evolution of Mars and determining the sequence of events to establish an unambiguous Martian cratering chronology from crater statistics in combination with clean radiometric ages of returned Martian samples. For the dating goal, rocks should be as pristine as possible from a geologically simple area with a one-stage emplacement history of the local formation. A minimum of at least one highland site for old ages, two intermediate-aged sites, and one very young site is needed.
Lunar Pit Craters Presumed to be the Entrances of Lava Caves by Analogy to the Earth Lava Tube Pits
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hong, Ik-Seon; Yi, Yu; Kim, Eojin
2014-06-01
Lava caves could be useful as outposts for the human exploration of the Moon. Lava caves or lava tubes are formed when the external surface of the lava flows cools more quickly to make a hardened crust over subsurface lava flows. The lava flow eventually ceases and drains out of the tube, leaving an empty space. The frail part of the ceiling of lava tube could collapse to expose the entrance to the lava tubes which is called a pit crater. Several pit craters with the diameter of around 100 meters have been found by analyzing the data of SELENE and LRO lunar missions. It is hard to use these pit craters for outposts since these are too large in scale. In this study, small scale pit craters which are fit for outposts have been investigated using the NAC image data of LROC. Several topographic patterns which are believed to be lunar caves have been found and the similar pit craters of the Earth were compared and analyzed to identify caves. For this analysis, the image data of satellites and aerial photographs are collected and classified to construct a database. Several pit craters analogous to lunar pit craters were derived and a morphological pit crater model was generated using the 3D printer based on this database.
Crater Floor and Lava Lake Dynamics Measured with T-LIDAR at Pu`u`O`o Crater, Hawai`i
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Brooks, B. A.; Kauahikaua, J. P.; Foster, J. H.; Poland, M. P.
2007-12-01
We used a near-infrared (1.2 micron wavelength) tripod-based scanning LiDAR system (T-LIDAR) to capture crater floor and lava lake dynamics in unprecedented detail at P`u`u `O`o crater on Kilauea volcano, Hawai`i. In the ~40 days following the June 17-19 intrusion/eruption, Pu`u `O`o crater experienced substantial deformation comprising 2 collapse events bracketing rapid filling of the crater by a lava lake. We surveyed the crater floor with centimeter-scale spot-spacings from 3 different vantage points on July 13 and from one vantage point on July 24. Data return was excellent despite heavy fume on July 24 that obscured nearly all of the crater features, including the walls and floor. We formed displacement fields by aligning identical features from different acquisition times in zones on the relatively stable crater walls. From July 13, over a period of several hours, we imaged ~2 m of differential lava lake surface topography from the upwelling (eastern) to downstream (western) portion of the flowing lava lake. From July 13 to July 24, the lava lake level dropped by as much as 20 meters in a zone confined by flanking levees. Our results confirm the utility of T-LiDAR as a new tool for detailed volcano geodesy studies and suggest potential applications in volcano hazards monitoring.
2016-05-06
Ceres densely cratered landscape is revealed in this image taken by the framing camera aboard NASA Dawn spacecraft. The craters show various degrees of degradation. The youngest craters have sharp rims.
2016-05-09
Ceres densely cratered landscape is revealed in this image taken by the framing camera aboard NASA Dawn spacecraft. The craters show various degrees of degradation. The youngest craters have sharp rims.
Opportunity's First Dip into Victoria Crater
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2007-01-01
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity entered Victoria Crater during the rover's 1,291st Martian day, or sol, (Sept. 11, 2007). The rover team commanded Opportunity to drive just far enough into the crater to get all six wheels onto the inner slope, and then to back out again and assess how much the wheels slipped on the slope. The driving commands for the day included a precaution for the rover to stop driving if the wheels were slipping more than 40 percent. Slippage exceeded that amount on the last step of the drive, so Opportunity stopped with its front pair of wheels still inside the crater. The rover team planned to assess results of the drive, then start Opportunity on an extended exploration inside the crater. This wide-angle view taken by Opportunity's front hazard-identification camera at the end of the day's driving shows the wheel tracks created by the short dip into the crater. The left half of the image looks across an alcove informally named 'Duck Bay' toward a promontory called 'Cape Verde' clockwise around the crater wall. The right half of the image looks across the main body of the crater, which is 800 meters (half a mile) in diameter.1996-11-20
This full-resolution image from NASA Magellan spacecraft shows Jeanne crater, a 19.5 kilometer (12 mile) diameter impact crater. Jeanne crater is located at 40.0 degrees north latitude and 331.4 degrees longitude. The distinctive triangular shape of the ejecta indicates that the impacting body probably hit obliquely, traveling from southwest to northeast. The crater is surrounded by dark material of two types. The dark area on the southwest side of the crater is covered by smooth (radar-dark) lava flows which have a strongly digitate contact with surrounding brighter flows. The very dark area on the northeast side of the crater is probably covered by smooth material such as fine-grained sediment. This dark halo is asymmetric, mimicking the asymmetric shape of the ejecta blanket. The dark halo may have been caused by an atmospheric shock or pressure wave produced by the incoming body. Jeanne crater also displays several outflow lobes on the northwest side. These flow-like features may have formed by fine-grained ejecta transported by a hot, turbulent flow created by the arrival of the impacting object. Alternatively, they may have formed by flow of impact melt. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00472
Crater Topography on Titan: Implications for Landscape Evolution
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Neish, Catherine D.; Kirk, R.L.; Lorenz, R. D.; Bray, V. J.; Schenk, P.; Stiles, B. W.; Turtle, E.; Mitchell, K.; Hayes, A.
2013-01-01
We present a comprehensive review of available crater topography measurements for Saturn's moon Titan. In general, the depths of Titan's craters are within the range of depths observed for similarly sized fresh craters on Ganymede, but several hundreds of meters shallower than Ganymede's average depth vs. diameter trend. Depth-to-diameter ratios are between 0.0012 +/- 0.0003 (for the largest crater studied, Menrva, D approximately 425 km) and 0.017 +/- 0.004 (for the smallest crater studied, Ksa, D approximately 39 km). When we evaluate the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit parameter, we find that there is less than a 10% probability that Titan's craters have a current depth distribution that is consistent with the depth distribution of fresh craters on Ganymede. There is, however, a much higher probability that the relative depths are uniformly distributed between 0 (fresh) and 1 (completely infilled). This distribution is consistent with an infilling process that is relatively constant with time, such as aeolian deposition. Assuming that Ganymede represents a close 'airless' analogue to Titan, the difference in depths represents the first quantitative measure of the amount of modification that has shaped Titan's surface, the only body in the outer Solar System with extensive surface-atmosphere exchange.
Global and local re-impact and velocity regime of ballistic ejecta of boulder craters on Ceres
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schulzeck, F.; Schröder, S. E.; Schmedemann, N.; Stephan, K.; Jaumann, R.; Raymond, C. A.; Russell, C. T.
2018-04-01
Imaging by the Dawn-spacecraft reveals that fresh craters on Ceres below 40 km often exhibit numerous boulders. We investigate how the fast rotating, low-gravity regime on Ceres influences their deposition. We analyze size-frequency distributions of ejecta blocks of twelve boulder craters. Global and local landing sites of boulder crater ejecta and boulder velocities are determined by the analytical calculation of elliptic particle trajectories on a rotating body. The cumulative distributions of boulder diameters follow steep-sloped power-laws. We do not find a correlation between boulder size and the distance of a boulder to its primary crater. Due to Ceres' low gravitational acceleration and fast rotation, ejecta of analyzed boulder craters (8-31 km) can be deposited across the entire surface of the dwarf planet. The particle trajectories are strongly influenced by the Coriolis effect as well as the impact geometry. Fast ejecta of high-latitude craters accumulate close to the pole of the opposite hemisphere. Fast ejecta of low-latitude craters wraps around the equator. Rotational effects are also relevant for the low-velocity regime. Boulders are ejected at velocities up to 71 m/s.
Zhao, Runchen; Zhang, Qianyun; Tjugito, Hendro; Cheng, Xiang
2015-01-01
When a granular material is impacted by a sphere, its surface deforms like a liquid yet it preserves a circular crater like a solid. Although the mechanism of granular impact cratering by solid spheres is well explored, our knowledge on granular impact cratering by liquid drops is still very limited. Here, by combining high-speed photography with high-precision laser profilometry, we investigate liquid-drop impact dynamics on granular surface and monitor the morphology of resulting impact craters. Surprisingly, we find that despite the enormous energy and length difference, granular impact cratering by liquid drops follows the same energy scaling and reproduces the same crater morphology as that of asteroid impact craters. Inspired by this similarity, we integrate the physical insight from planetary sciences, the liquid marble model from fluid mechanics, and the concept of jamming transition from granular physics into a simple theoretical framework that quantitatively describes all of the main features of liquid-drop imprints in granular media. Our study sheds light on the mechanisms governing raindrop impacts on granular surfaces and reveals a remarkable analogy between familiar phenomena of raining and catastrophic asteroid strikes. PMID:25548187
Processing Images of Craters for Spacecraft Navigation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cheng, Yang; Johnson, Andrew E.; Matthies, Larry H.
2009-01-01
A crater-detection algorithm has been conceived to enable automation of what, heretofore, have been manual processes for utilizing images of craters on a celestial body as landmarks for navigating a spacecraft flying near or landing on that body. The images are acquired by an electronic camera aboard the spacecraft, then digitized, then processed by the algorithm, which consists mainly of the following steps: 1. Edges in an image detected and placed in a database. 2. Crater rim edges are selected from the edge database. 3. Edges that belong to the same crater are grouped together. 4. An ellipse is fitted to each group of crater edges. 5. Ellipses are refined directly in the image domain to reduce errors introduced in the detection of edges and fitting of ellipses. 6. The quality of each detected crater is evaluated. It is planned to utilize this algorithm as the basis of a computer program for automated, real-time, onboard processing of crater-image data. Experimental studies have led to the conclusion that this algorithm is capable of a detection rate >93 percent, a false-alarm rate <5 percent, a geometric error <0.5 pixel, and a position error <0.3 pixel.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Parker, T. J.; Pieri, D. C.
1985-01-01
In assessing the relative ages of the geomorphic/geologic units, crater counts of the entire unit or nearly the entire unit were made and summed in order to get a more accurate value than obtainable by counts of isolated sections of each unit. Cumulative size-frequency counts show some interesting relationships. Most of the units show two distinct crater populations with a flattening out of the distribution curve at and below 10 km diameter craters. Above this crater size the curves for the different units diverge most notably. In general, the variance may reflect the relative ages of these units. At times, however, in the larger crater size range, these curves can overlap and cross on another. Also the error bars at these larger sizes are broader (and thus more suspect), since counts of larger craters show more scatter, whereas the unit areas remain constant. Occasional clusters of relatively large craters within a given unit, particularly one of limited areal extent, can affect the curve so that the unit might seem to be older than units which it overlies or cuts.
Stratigraphy of the Descartes region /Apollo 16/ - Implications for the origin of samples
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Head, J. W.
1974-01-01
Analysis of terrain in the Apollo 16 Descartes landing region shows a series of features that form a stratigraphic sequence which dominates the history and petrogenesis at the site. An ancient 150-km diam crater centered on the Apollo 16 site is one of the earliest recognizable major structures. Nectaris ejecta was concentrated in a regional low at the base of the back slope of the Nectaris basin to form the Descartes Mountains. Subsequently, a 60-km diam crater formed in the Descartes Mountains centered about 25 km to the west of the site. This crater dominates the geology and petrogenetic history of the site. Stone and Smoky Mountains represent the degraded terraced crater walls, and the dark matrix breccias and metaclastic rocks derived from North and South Ray craters represent floor fallback breccias from this cratering event. The interpretation is developed that the stratigraphy of the Cayley and Descartes, and thus the historical record of the Apollo 16 region, documents the complex interaction of deposits and morphology of local and regional impact cratering events. Large local 60- to 150-km diam craters have had a dramatic and previously unrecognized effect on the history and petrology of the Apollo 16 site.
2016-06-01
This image captured by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft targets a 3-kilometer diameter crater that occurs within the ejecta blanket of the much older Bakhuysen Crater, a 150-kilometer diameter impact crater in Noachis Terra. Impact craters are interesting because they provide a mechanism to uplift and expose underlying bedrock, allowing for the study of the subsurface and the geologic past. An enhanced color image shows the wall of the crater, which exposes layering as well as blocks of rock. There is a distinctive large block in the upper left of the crater wall, generally referred to as a "mega-block."Â It is an angular, light-toned, highly fragmented block, about 100 meters across. Several smaller light-toned blocks are also in the crater wall, possibly of the same rock type as the "mega-block." Ejecta blocks are thrown outward during the initial excavation of a crater, or are deposited as part of the ground-hugging flows of which the majority of the ejecta blanket is comprised. Through images like these, we are able to study the deeper subsurface of Mars that is not otherwise exposed. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20728
Radar characteristics of small craters - Implications for Venus
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greeley, Ronald; Christensen, Philip R.; Mchone, John F.
1987-01-01
Shuttle radar images (SIR-A) of volcanic and impact craters were examined to assess their appearance on radar images. Radar characteristics were determined for (1) nine maarlikie craters in the Pinacate volcanic field, Sonora, Mexico; (2) the caldera of Cerro Volcan Quemado, in the Bolivian Andes; (3) Talemzane impact crater, Algeria; and (4) Al Umchaimin, a possible impact structure in Iraq. SIR-A images were compared with conventional photographs and with results from field studies. Consideration was then given to radar images available for Venus, or anticipated from the Magellan mission. Of the criteria ordinarily used to identify impact craters, some can be assessed with radar images and others cannot be used; planimetric form, expressed as circularity, and ejecta-block distribution can be assessed on radar images, but rim and floor elevations relative to the surrounding plain and disposition of rim strata are difficult or impossible to determine. It is concluded that it will be difficult to separate small impact craters from small volcanic craters on Venus using radar images and is suggested that it will be necessary to understand the geological setting of the areas containing the craters in order to determine their origin.
2017-02-10
The broader scene for this image is the fluidized ejecta from Bakhuysen Crater to the southwest, but there's something very interesting going on here on a much smaller scale. A small impact crater, about 25 meters in diameter, with a gouged-out trench extends to the south. The ejecta (rocky material ejected from the crater) mostly extends to the east and west of the crater. This "butterfly" ejecta is very common for craters formed at low impact angles. Taken together, these observations suggest that the crater-forming impactor came in at a low angle from the north, hit the ground and ejected material to the sides. The top of the impactor may have sheared off ("decapitating" the impactor) and continued downrange, forming the trench. We can't prove that's what happened, but this explanation is consistent with the observations. Regardless of how it formed, it's quite an interesting-looking "dragonfly" crater. The map is projected here at a scale of 50 centimeters (19.69 inches) per pixel. [The original image scale is 55.7 centimeters (21.92 inches) per pixel (with 2 x 2 binning); objects on the order of 167 centimeters (65.7 inches) across are resolved.] North is up. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21454
Mars 2020 Candidate Landing Site in McLaughlin Crater
2016-01-14
McLaughlin Crater (21.9 N, 337.6 E) is a large, approximately 95-kilometer diameter impact crater located north of Mawrth Vallis, in Arabia Terra, a region that was made famous by the book and movie "The Martian" by Andy Weir. McLaughlin Crater straddles three major terrain types: the Northern lowlands, the Southern highlands and the Mawrth Vallis region. The crater floor is thought to be covered by clays and carbonates that were deposited in a deep lake at least 3.8 billion years ago perhaps by ground water upwelling from beneath the crater floor (Michalski et al., 2013, Nature Geoscience). McLaughlin Crater is listed as a candidate landing site for the 2020 Mars surface mission. Although it is described as a "flat, low-risk and low-elevation landing zone," the region in this image on the southern floor of the crater shows a complex surface of eroded layers that are rough in places. An unusual feature is a straight fracture cutting diagonally across the layered material at the bottom portion of the image that may be a fault line. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20338