Characteristics and Origin of Martian Low-Aspect-Ratio Layered Ejecta (LARLE) Craters
Abstract
An unusual crater morphology is found primarily at high latitudes on Mars. These craters display an extensive outer deposit beyond the normal layered ejecta blanket. This outer deposit extends up to 20 crater radii from the rim, terminates in a sinuous flame-like edge, and is extremely thin, leading to a low aspect ratio (A = thickness/length). These craters are thus called Low-Aspect-Ratio Layered Ejecta (LARLE) craters. We have conducted a survey of all LARLE craters 1-km-diameter and larger on Mars. We find 139 LARLE craters ranging in diameter from 1.0 to 12.2 km with a median of 2.8 km. Most (97%) are found poleward of 35N and 40S, with the remainder primarily found in the equatorial Medusae Fossae Formation. The surfaces of the freshest LARLE layers commonly exhibit radial, curvilinear ridges and dune-like landforms, and the LARLE deposit typically drapes over pre-existing terrain. We propose that the LARLE deposit is formed by a different mechanism than that responsible for the normal layered ejecta patterns. We suggest that impact into relatively-thick fine-grained ice-rich mantles enhances the formation of a base surge that is deposited after formation of the inner layered ejecta deposits. This base surge is similar to the density-driven, turbulent cloud of suspended fine-grained particles produced by impact erosion and mobilization of the surrounding surface material by ejecta from shallow-depth-of-burst nuclear and high-explosion craters. We have applied a base surge equation developed for terrestrial explosive events to two fresh LARLE craters. After adjustment of the equation for Martian conditions, it predicts runout distances that are within 99% of the observed values. All Martian craters likely produce a base surge during formation, but the presence of the obvious LARLE deposit is attributed to crater formation in thick, fine-grained, sedimentary deposits. These sediments are the source of the extra particulate debris incorporated into and deposited by the base surge.
- Publication:
-
AAS/Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting Abstracts #45
- Pub Date:
- October 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013DPS....4540002B