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Does saturation cratering exist in the solar system?A number of researchers have concluded that saturation equilibrium cratering exists nowhere in the solar system, and therefore that diameter distributions in even the most heavily cratered provinces reveal initial production functions related to impacting bodies. Based on this premise, different populations of impactors are identified in different epochs and regions of the solar system. These hypotheses are clearly crucial to interpreting planetary history and need further independent examination. The production function in the outer solar system may differ from that in the inner solar system, but it is also possible that viscous relaxation of ice craters or immediate flooding of craters that penetrate through an ice lithosphere into watery substrate may explain the greater deficiency of large craters on icy moons. This problem is controversial and needs more study.
Document ID
19840015399
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Hartmann, W. K.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Washington Rept. of the Planetary Geol. Program, 1983
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84N23467
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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