Mars: A Standard Crater Curve and Possible New Time Scale
Abstract
Current knowledge concerning the cratering chronology in the earth-moon system is briefly reviewed and Martian and lunar impact crater production size-frequency distributions are considered. It is found that at Mariner 9 resolution, the impact crater production size-frequency distribution of Mars is generally similar to that of the moon for crater diameters in the range from 0.8 to 50 km. The findings of the investigation provide the basis for a tentative Martian time scale derived from lunar data. The new scale suggests a much more orderly evolution of the Martian surface as previously assumed. Most of the major planetary tectonic and volcanic disturbances took place during the first 1.5 billion years of the Martian history.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.194.4272.1381
- Bibcode:
- 1976Sci...194.1381N
- Keywords:
-
- Chronology;
- Frequency Distribution;
- Graphs (Charts);
- Mars Surface;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Projectile Cratering;
- Diameters;
- Earth-Moon System;
- Impact Prediction;
- Lunar Craters;
- Meteorite Craters;
- Size Determination;
- Time Dependence;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration