Crater size-frequency distributions and a revised Martian relative chronology

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Icarus; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(88)90006-1· OSTI ID:6724574

Barlow, N G

A relative plotting technique is applied to Viking 1:2M photomosaics of 25,826 Martian craters of diameter greater than 8 km and age younger than that of the Martian surface. The size-frequency distribution curves are calculated and analyzed in detail, and the results are presented in extensive tables and maps. It is found that about 60 percent of the crater-containing lithologic units, including many small volcanoes and the ridged planes, were formed during the heavy-bombardment period (HBP), while 40 percent arose after the HBP. Wide region-to-region variation in the crater density is noted, and localized age estimates are provided. 42 references.

• Research Organization: Arizona Univ., Tucson (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6724574
• Journal Information: Icarus; (United States), Journal Name: Icarus; (United States) Vol. 75; ISSN ICRSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AGE ESTIMATION
COLLISIONS
EARTH PLANET
MARS PLANET
METEORITES
PLANETARY EVOLUTION
PLANETS
SOLAR SYSTEM
SOLAR SYSTEM EVOLUTION
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
SPACE VEHICLES
SURFACES
VEHICLES
VIKING SPACE PROBES
VOLCANOES