EAS206 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Mariner 10, Caloris Planitia, Space Weathering

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Course: EAS206
• Professor: Chris Herd

Document Summary

~ 1/3 of sun earth distance. 2:3 ratio; 2 mercurian years to 3 mercurian days; called spin-orbit coupling. Studied by mariner 10, telescopes, and the messenger* mission. *mercury surface, space environment, geochemistry, and ranging. Heavily cratered terrain, intercrater plains and smooth plains. Imaged the western hemisphere for the first time on oct. 6, 2008. Although the types and sizes of craters on mercury are similar to those on the moon, there are some significant differences. Ejecta is discontinuous and not as extensive. Secondary craters are more numerous and prominent. There are fewer craters < 50 km diameter than expected. Intercrater plains are the most extensive terrain on mercury (by area). They look different than the heavily-cratered surfaces of the moon. Intercrater plains: level to gently rolling, densely cratered surfaces between craters >30 km diameter. Densely cratered with many 5-10 km diameter craters, resulting in a highly textured surface. Many small (< 10 km) craters are secondary.