Geometry of Martian impact craters: First results from an interactive software package

Abstract

We have developed a new interactive computer program that facilitates the easy collection of geomorphic data for Martian impact craters, using the MOLA 128th degree digital elevation model of Mars. We describe the method for ensuring that accurate measurements of crater diameter, depth, rim height, rim volume, cavity volume, ejecta thickness, and ejecta volume are obtained. We compare our measurements of crater diameters and rim heights to results obtained by Garvin et al. [2000], who employed centerline MOLA profiles. Statistical regressions between the two methods give R2 values of 0.930 for crater depths and 0.984 for crater diameters. The new interactive program facilitates the rapid compilation of large data sets to allow a comparison of crater populations in different settings. Preliminary results are presented for 354 craters on ridged plains materials in Hesperia and Sinai Plana to demonstrate the value of the program for regional comparisons and the analysis of degradational processes on Mars. Copyright 2004 by the American Geophysical Union.