Quantifying the attenuation of structural uplift beneath large lunar craters

Abstract

Terrestrial crater observations and laboratory experiments demonstrate that target material beneath complex impact craters is uplifted relative to its preimpact position. Current estimates suggest maximum uplift is one tenth of the final crater diameter for terrestrial complex craters and one tenth to one fifth for lunar central peak craters. These latter values are derived from an analytical model constrained by observations from small craters and may not be applicable to larger complex craters and basins. Here, using numerical modeling, we produce a set of relatively simple analytical equations that estimate the maximum amount of structural uplift and quantify the attenuation of uplift with depth beneath large lunar craters. Key Points Numerical modeling of large complex- and basin-scale lunar impacts undertaken Attenuation of structural uplift beneath these structures quantified Additional equations concerning material uplift also developed ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.