Cratering of planetary satellitesRecent findings concerning craters and cratering populations on the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn are discussed. Current understanding of cratering mechanics is reviewed with emphasis placed on scaling and ejecta and the differences between cratering in rock and ice. Evidence from crater statistics regarding cratering histories on various planetary satellites is discussed and connections are made with what is known about the cratering record on the terrestrial bodies. Consideration is given to the source populations and an attempt is made to summarize and critique the various scenarios that have been proposed for linking the cratering records on the various planets and satellites. It is noted that early Voyager Uranus results seem compatible with the present summary.
Document ID
19870036044
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Chapman, Clark R. (Science Applications, Inc. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States)
Mckinnon, William B. (Washington University Saint Louis, MO, United States)