Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008jgre..11311010g&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 113, Issue E11, CiteID E11010
Physics
13
Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Erosion And Weathering, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Impact Phenomena, Cratering (6022, 8136), Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote Sensing, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties
Scientific paper
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.
Cohen Barbara A.
Geissler Paul Eric
Golombek Matthew P.
Grant John A.
Kirk Randolph L.
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