Gradation of the Roter Kamm impact crater, Namibia

Abstract

Interpretation of ground penetrating radar data from the 3.7 Ma old Roter Kamm impact crater, together with results of petrographic and sedimentologic analysis of sediment samples, indicates that ∼40 m or more of slope sensitive degradation of the rim was accompanied by reduction of wall slopes well below the angle of repose and nearly complete erosion of ejecta from around the crater. Only one patch of in situ ejecta deposit was identified. Degradation of both the interior and exterior of the crater was dominated by fluvial/alluvial activity, likely during the first 1.0-2.7 Ma history of the crater. Eolian modification has dominated gradation since the last half of the Pleistocene. Results from Roter Kamm can help in evaluating evolution of degraded Martian craters that may have experienced fluvial/alluvial gradation followed by eolian modification. On Mars, extended fluvial/alluvial activity should produce a low sloped, incised rim, thereby eroding most of the continuous ejecta well before removal of easily recognizable rim relief. Subsequent eolian deposition can bury all but the raised rim of craters, thereby creating a focal point for efforts geared towards constraint of gradational history. Copyright 1997 by the American Geophysical Union.