Martian ages.
Abstract
Four discussions are conducted: (1) the methodology of relative age determination by impact crater statistics, (2) a comparison of proposed Martian impact chronologies for the determination of absolute ages from crater frequencies, (3) a report on work dating Martian volcanoes and erosional features by impact crater statistics, and (4) an attempt to understand the main features of Martian history through a synthesis of crater frequency data. Two cratering chronology models are presented and used for inference of absolute ages from crater frequency data, and it is shown that the interpretation of all data available and tractable by the methodology presented leads to a global Martian geological history that is characterized by two epochs of activity. It is concluded that Mars is an ancient planet with respect to its surface features.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- April 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JB086iB04p03097
- Bibcode:
- 1981JGR....86.3097N
- Keywords:
-
- Chronology;
- Mars (Planet);
- Planetary Craters;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Projectile Cratering;
- Volcanoes;
- Diameters;
- Erosion;
- Frequency Distribution;
- Hypervelocity Impact;
- Size Distribution;
- Statistical Analysis;
- ELYSIUM PLANITIA;
- KASEI VALLIS;
- HECATES THOLUS;
- ELYSIUM MONS;
- ARISA MONS;
- APOLLINARIS PATERA;
- CERAUNIUS THOLUS;
- PHOTOGRAPHS;
- DATA REDUCTION;
- DATA;
- CRATERS;
- VOLCANOES;
- CATALOGS;
- EROSION;
- TECHNIQUES;
- MOON;
- ALBA PATERA;
- OLYMPUS MONS;
- VOLCANIC FEATURES;
- LAVAS;
- AGES;
- THARSIS MONTES;
- VOLCANISM;
- PROCEDURE;
- IMPACT CRATERS;
- COMPARISONS;
- CHRONOLOGY;
- ABSOLUTE AGES;
- MARS;
- DATING TECHNIQUES;
- MODELS;
- CRATERING;
- FREQUENCY;
- PRODUCTION RATE;
- MARIA;
- GEOLOGY;
- HISTORY;
- SURFACE;
- FEATURES;
- DIAMETER;
- DENSITY;
- LUNAE PLANUM;
- Mars:Age