Mapping Vesta Equatorial Quadrangle V-6EE: Identification of Pit Crater Chains

NASA's Dawn spacecraft arrived at the asteroid 4Vesta on July 15, 2011, and is now collecting imaging, spectroscopic, and elemental abundance data during its one-year orbital mission. As part of the geological analysis of the surface, a series of 15 quadrangle maps are being produced based on Framing Camera images (FC: spatial resolution: ~65 m/pixel) along with Visible & Infrared Spectrometer data (VIR: spatial resolution: ~180 m/pixel) obtained during the High-Altitude Mapping Orbit (HAMO). This poster presentation concentrates on our geologic analysis and mapping of quadrangle V-6EE. This quadrangle shows a continuation of the equatorial band of large scale troughs also expressed in quadrangles 7EFE, 8EDL, 9EFW and 10EW. While in the other quadrangles these features are expressed as flat floor troughs, in this particular area they are preferentially expressed as pit crater chains. A strong correlation between pit crater chains and fault-bounded grabens has been observed on other planetary bodies. Their presence here suggests there may be significant regolith cover in this region. Other features of note in quadrangle V-6EE are dark-albedo materials exposed in crater walls that may indicate slope streaks or lithologic variation and possible crater rays. The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Dawn Instrument, Operations, and Science Teams.