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Does crater 'saturation equilibrium' occur in the solar system?The similarity in crater densities on the most heavily cratered surfaces throughout the solar system is statistically examined and discussed in terms of a 'saturation equilibrium' being achieved by cratering processes. This hypothesis accounts for (1) the similarity in maximum relative crater density, below certain theoretically predicted values, on all heavily cratered surfaces; (2) a levelling off at this same relative density among 100-m scale craters in populations on lunar maria and other sparsely cratered lunar surfaces; and (3) the approximate uniformity of maximum relative densities on Saturn satellites. The lunar frontside upland crater population, sometimes described as a well-preserved production function useful for interpreting other planetary surfaces, is found not to be a production function. It was modified by intercrater plains at least partly formed by early upland basaltic lava flooding.
Document ID
19850030582
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hartmann, W. K.
(Planetary Science Institute Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 60
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85A12733
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3782
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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