Cataloging of Craters on Enceladus

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

5420 Impact Phenomena, Cratering (6022, 8136), 6000 Planetary Sciences: Comets And Small Bodies, 6022 Impact Phenomena (5420, 8136), 6280 Saturnian Satellites

Scientific paper

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.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Cataloging of Craters on Enceladus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Cataloging of Craters on Enceladus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cataloging of Craters on Enceladus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1236940

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.