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Evidence for Crater Ejecta on Venus Tessera Terrain from Earth-Based Radar ImagesWe combine Earth-based radar maps of Venus from the 1988 and 2012 inferior conjunctions, which had similar viewing geometries. Processing of both datasets with better image focusing and co-registration techniques, and summing over multiple looks, yields maps with 1-2 km spatial resolution and improved signal to noise ratio, especially in the weaker same-sense circular (SC) polarization. The SC maps are unique to Earth-based observations, and offer a different view of surface properties from orbital mapping using same-sense linear (HH or VV) polarization. Highland or tessera terrains on Venus, which may retain a record of crustal differentiation and processes occurring prior to the loss of water, are of great interest for future spacecraft landings. The Earth-based radar images reveal multiple examples of tessera mantling by impact ''parabolas'' or ''haloes'', and can extend mapping of locally thick material from Magellan data by revealing thinner deposits over much larger areas. Of particular interest is an ejecta deposit from Stuart crater that we infer to mantle much of eastern Alpha Regio. Some radar-dark tessera occurrences may indicate sediments that are trapped for longer periods than in the plains. We suggest that such radar information is important for interpretation of orbital infrared data and selection of future tessera landing sites.
Document ID
20160008405
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Campbell, Bruce A.
(Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC, United States)
Campbell, Donald B.
(Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY, United States)
Morgan, Gareth A.
(Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC, United States)
Carter, Lynn M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Nolan, Michael C.
(Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory Arecibo, Puerto Rico)
Chandler, John F.
(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
July 1, 2016
Publication Date
December 5, 2014
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Publisher: Elsevier
Volume: 250
e-ISSN: 1090-2643
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Communications And Radar
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN21223
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF-AST-1100968
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX10AP64G
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX13AL17G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
surface
Cratering
Venus
Radar observations

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