[meteorite-list] Enhanced 3D Model of Mars Crater Edge Shows Ups and Downs

[Ron Baalke]

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-053  

Enhanced 3D Model of Mars Crater Edge Shows Ups and Downs
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
February 17, 2010

A dramatic 3D Mars view based on terrain modeling from NASA's Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter data shows "highs and lows" of Mojave Crater.

The vertical dimension is exaggerated three-fold compared with
horizontal dimensions in the synthesized images of a portion of the
crater's wall. The resulting images look like the view from a
low-altitude aircraft. They reflect one use of digital modeling derived
from two observations by the orbiter's High Resolution Imaging Science
Experiment camera.

This enhanced view shows material that has ponded and is backed up
behind massive blocks of bedrock in the crater's terrace walls. Hundreds
of Martian impact craters have similar ponding with pitted surfaces.
Scientists believe these "pitted ponds" are created when material melted
by the crater-causing impacts is captured behind the wall terraces.

Mojave Crater, one of the freshest large craters on Mars, is about 60
kilometers (37 miles) in diameter. In a sense, it is like the Rosetta
Stone of Martian craters, because it is so fresh. Other craters of this
size generally have already been affected by erosion, sediment and other
geologic process. Fresh craters like Mohave reveal information about the
impact process, including ejecta, melting and deposits.

Guy Webster 818-354-6278
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
guy.webster at jpl.nasa.gov

2010-053