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Satellites of Mars - Geologic historyThe small, irregularly shaped satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, provide the most detailed view of the geomorphic forms and processes important on small solar system bodies. The satellites appear to be very similar in composition, strongly resembling carbonaceous asteroids; however, recent groundbased spectra suggest that their surfaces have little bound or interlayer water. Despite their similar compositions, sizes and environments, Phobos and Deimos have radically different surface features. Phobos is densely covered by craters that are nearly lunar in appearance; Deimos' craters are subdued and largely filled in by debris. Phobos shows only local downslope movement of regolith; Deimos has it on a global scale. Phobos is criss-crossed by linear depressions; Deimos has none. Crater ejecta appear to be retained near their sources on Phobos while the ejecta are widespread on Deimos. The reasons for the differences between the satellites are not known; imaging of asteroids should tell us which, if either, satellite is typical of the many small bodies that populate the asteroid belt.
Document ID
19930043892
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Thomas, P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Veverka, J.
(Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY, United States)
Bell, J.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, United States)
Lunine, J.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, United States)
Cruikshank, D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Mars (A93-27852 09-91)
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93A27889
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-111
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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