Impact heat driven volatile redistribution at Occator crater on Ceres as a comparative planetary process
Journal
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Schenk, P.
•
Scully, J.
•
Buczkowski, D.
•
Sizemore, H.
•
Schmidt, B.
•
Pieters, C.
•
Neesemann, A.
•
O'Brien, D.
•
Marchi, S.
•
Williams, D.
•
Nathues, A.
•
•
•
Russell, C. T.
•
Castillo-Rogez, J.
•
Raymond, C.
Abstract
Hydrothermal processes in impact environments on water-rich bodies such as Mars and Earth are relevant to the origins of life. Dawn mapping of dwarf planet (1) Ceres has identified similar deposits within Occator crater. Here we show using Dawn high-resolution stereo imaging and topography that Ceres' unique composition has resulted in widespread mantling by solidified water- and salt-rich mud-like impact melts with scattered endogenic pits, troughs, and bright mounds indicative of outgassing of volatiles and periglacial-style activity during solidification. These features are distinct from and less extensive than on Mars, indicating that Occator melts may be less gas-rich or volatiles partially inhibited from reaching the surface. Bright salts at Vinalia Faculae form thin surficial precipitates sourced from hydrothermal brine effusion at many individual sites, coalescing in several larger centers, but their ages are statistically indistinguishable from floor materials, allowing for but not requiring migration of brines from deep crustal source(s).
Volume
11
Issue
1
Start page
3679
Issn Identifier
2041-1723
Ads BibCode
2020NatCo..11.3679S
Rights
open.access
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