Size-dependence in the shape of fresh impact craters on the moon.
Abstract
The transition from small simple craters to large complex or modified craters is characterized by eleven changes in the shape of fresh lunar craters which occur within a diameter range of 10 to 30 km. In the present paper, seven ratio-level variations - those of rim-crest diameter with depth, rim height, flank width, rimwall slope, floor diameter, circularity, and rim-crest evenness - are defined for fresh-appearing craters from the new Apollo data and are expressed mathematically where practicable. These relations constitute a shape model for interpreting fresh craters on the moon. The size dependent changes reflect the occurrence of central peaks, rimwall terraces, and a flat floor within craters measuring 10 to 20 km in diameter.
- Publication:
-
Impact and Explosion Cratering: Planetary and Terrestrial Implications
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977iecp.symp..489P
- Keywords:
-
- Impact Damage;
- Lunar Craters;
- Size (Dimensions);
- Lunar Surface;
- Planetary Surfaces;
- Rims;
- Shapes;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- Moon:Craters