Degradation Evolution of Martian Craters

Viking image showing a degraded Martian crater. The crater is about 30 km in diameter and is located east of Crater Millochau in Terra Tyrrhena (about 21S, 273W).

CEPS Staff: Dr. John Grant

The purpose of this project is to quantitatively define geomorphic thresholds that control degradational activity on Earth in order to provide a framework for evaluating degradation seen on Mars. Because impact craters are instantaneously created and their initial form is well described they are especially suited to such studies. Ongoing work targets simple, unglaciated impact craters to develop a generalized degradation evolutionary sequence. In turn, these results are used as an aid in interpreting the evolution of degradation of Martian craters in Margaritifer Sinus, Terra Tyrrhena, southern Ismenius Lacus, Amazonis, the area northwest of Isidis Basin, Electris, Tempe, Casius, and Sinus Meridiani.
Project Abstract (359K PDF)

Dr. Grant's Homepage

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