Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Aug 1978
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978icar...35..227m&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 35, Aug. 1978, p. 227-236.
Mathematics
Logic
21
Mercury (Planet), Planetary Evolution, Planetology, Spin Reduction, Tectonics, Geological Faults, Gravitational Effects, Planetary Surfaces, Structural Properties (Geology), Tides
Scientific paper
The surface of Mercury exhibits a global tectonic system consisting of an ancient set of NE and NW tending lineaments and a younger set of planimetrically arcuate escarpments interpreted as thrust of high-angle reverse faults. The trends, distribution, and age relations of these tectonic features can be explained by a combination of tidal despinning and global contraction of the planet. In our model, early tidal despinning resulted in conjugate shear fractures trending roughly N60 deg E and N60 deg W which were subsequently modified by a variety of surface processes to produce the presently visible set of lineaments. Continued despinning plus global contraction produced thrust faults with roughly north-south trends. Final contraction may have postdated despinning and produced randomly oriented thrust faults. All of these events predated the formation of Caloris basin, because basin-associated deposits blanket both lineaments and arcuate thrust faults.
Dzurisin Dan
Melosh Henry Jay
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