Topographic Mapping of Mercury
The aim here is to produce Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
of approximately one quarter of the surface of Mercury using Mariner 10
images from 1974 and 1975. This will help us understand the nature of
the crust of Mercury by allowing the measurement lobate scarp maximum
relief. It is believed that lobate scarps have formed due to the contraction
of the crust from global cooling. We also hope to detect impact basins
and shallow craters that were missed in the initial analysis of Mariner
10 images because topographic relief does not reveal itself in many of
the images that were taken under high-noon sun angles.
Dr. Watters' Homepage
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