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Lunar crater volumes - Interpretation by models of impact cratering and upper crustal structureLunar crater volumes can be divided by size into two general classes with distinctly different functional dependence on diameter. Craters smaller than approximately 12 km in diameter are morphologically simple and increase in volume as the cube of the diameter, while craters larger than about 20 km are complex and increase in volume at a significantly lower rate implying shallowing. Ejecta and interior volumes are not identical and their ratio, Schroeters Ratio (SR), increases from about 0.5 for simple craters to about 1.5 for complex craters. The excess of ejecta volume causing the increase, can be accounted for by a discontinuity in lunar crust porosity at 1.5-2 km depth. The diameter range of significant increase in SR corresponds with the diameter range of transition from simple to complex crater morphology. This observation, combined with theoretical rebound calculation, indicates control of the transition diameter by the porosity structure of the upper crust.
Document ID
19790055295
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Croft, S. K.
(California, University Los Angeles, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 13, 1978
End Date: March 17, 1978
Accession Number
79A39308
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-05-007-002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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