Martian terrain ages

Details Martian terrain ages Martian terrain ages

Apr 1985

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1985pggp.rept..177s&link_type=abstract

In NASA, Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program, 1984 p 177-179 (SEE N85-23474 13-91)

Other

Cratering, Geochronology, Geomorphology, Hypervelocity Impact, Impactors, Mars Surface, Meteorite Craters, Planetary Geology, Mars Volcanoes, Planetary Surfaces, Solar System, Terrestrial Planets, Velocity Distribution

Scientific paper

The cratering record in the inner Solar System shows two crater populations based on their size/frequency distributions. The heavily cratered surfaces of the Moon, Mercury and Mars all show a similar multisloped crater size distribution which represents the period of heavy bombardment. On the younger plains units of the Moon and Mars the crater size/frequency distribution has about a -3 slope over the same diameter range. The different crater population represents the accumulation of craters since the end of heavy bombardment. The high flux of the early impacting objects dominated the cratering record prior to 3.8 BY. If heavy bombardment was primarily the result of comets (1) or a disrupted planetesimal (2), then heavy bombardment ended simultaneously on all of the inner planets. If, on the other, heavy bombardment was caused by accretional remnants, then it may have extended as much as 1 BY later on Mars than on the Moon and other terrestrial planets (3). Martian surfaces can be dated relative to the end of heavy bombardment by the type of crater population superposed on them. The relative ages of surfaces within these two time divisions can be determined by crater densities.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Martian terrain ages 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 Martian terrain ages, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Martian terrain ages will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1290005