Stratigraphy and geologic history of MercuryThe geologic evolution of Mercury based on the Mariner-10 mission data is discussed. As reconstructed through photogeological analysis of global geologic relations of rock-stratigraphic units, Mercury's geologic history is shown to involve intensive early impact bombardment and widespread resurfacing by volcanic lavas. Evidence is presented to indicate that this volcanic activity essentially ended as much as 3 Gyr ago, with most of the major geologic events being completed within the first 1 to 1.5 Gyr of Mercurian history.
Document ID
19890056387
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Spudis, Paul D. (USGS Reston, VA, United States)
Guest, John E. (London, University Observatory, United Kingdom)