Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Nov 1990
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1990jgr....9519161t&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 95, Nov. 10, 1990, p. 19161-19174. Research supported by NASA.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
12
Astronomical Models, Ganymede, Planetary Craters, Planetary Evolution, Voyager Project, Computer Programs, Icy Satellites, Impact Damage, Lithosphere, Planetary Surfaces, Silicates, Water
Scientific paper
A model is presented for the mechanism of the formation of crater palimpsests (circular features of very little relief) on Ganymede, that resolves some of the inconsistencies present in previous hypotheses of the palimpsest formation. It is suggested that palimpsest formation may be a result of cratering during a period of vigorous convection within the satellite early in the Ganymede's history. The morphology of palimpsests is reviewed and an updated compilation of palimpsests distribution and dimensions is obtained on the basis of final Voyager data. Calculations are performed that show that palimpsest formation is expected when large impacts take place in an icy lithosphere that is underlain by a zone of warm buoyant vigorously convecting material. The implications of the model for the thermal history of Ganymede is discussed.
Squyres Steven W.
Thomas Paul J.
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