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Mercury: New identification of ancient multi-ring basins and implications for geologic evolutionA systematic survey of the entire Mariner 10 coverage of Mercury was performed to determine the number, distribution and dimensions of additional ancient basins on the planet. Ancient multi-ringed basins on Mercury can be recognized by the following criteria: (1) arcs of massif chains and isolated massifs that protrude through younger units, (2) arcuate segments of lobate ridges (rupes) that align with massifs in circular patterns, (3) arcuate scarps that are aligned with ridges and massif, and (4) isolated regions of anomalously high topography within the intercrater regions of heavily cratered terrain. All of the newly identified basins predate the mercurian intercrater plains, previously held to be the oldest geologic unit on the planet. Subsequent structural evolution of various regions was influenced by the presence of these basins. Smooth plains units appear to be more extensive than mapped by Mariner 10 and more than 90 percent of them appear to be basin contained or basin related. The concentration of extensive smooth plains material within and associated with basin structural and depositional environments suggests a volcanic origin for most of this unit, analogous to the lunar maria. Basins appear to provide the basic structural pattern of early terrestrial planetary crusts.
Document ID
19840015395
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Spudis, P. D.
(Geological Survey Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Washington Rept. of Planetary Geol. Program, 1983
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84N23463
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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