Investigating the transition from central peak to peak-ring basins using central feature volume measurements from the Global Lunar DTM 100 m

Abstract

Several theories have been suggested to explain the transition from peak to peak-ring crater morphology. In order to explore the transition and assess the currently advocated peak-ring formation theories, we have collected measurements of central feature volumes and heights for relatively fresh lunar impact craters. We employed the Global Lunar DTM 100 m, which has the vertical precision and spatial coverage necessary to accurately measure peak and peak-ring volumes in more craters than previously possible. The similarity in both trend and magnitude of peak and peak-ring volumes suggests that peak-ring formation is closely related to the development of central peaks as crater size increases. Our data thus lends support to those peak-ring formation theories involving peak collapse. © 2012. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.