Cryogenic flow features on Ceres: Implications for crater-related cryovolcanism

Journal
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Krohn, K.
•
Jaumann, R.
•
Stephan, K.
•
Otto, K. A.
•
Schmedemann, N.
•
Wagner, R. J.
•
Matz, K. -D.
•
•
•
Gathen, I.
•
Schulzeck, F.
•
Schröder, S. E.
•
Buczkowski, D. L.
•
Hiesinger, H.
•
McSween, H. Y.
•
Pieters, C. M.
•
Preusker, F.
•
Roatsch, T.
•
Raymond, C. A.
•
Russell, C. T.
•
Williams, D. A.
DOI
Abstract
Craters on Ceres, such as Haulani, Kupalo, Ikapati, and Occator show postimpact modification by the deposition of extended plains material with pits, multiple lobate flows, and widely dispersed deposits that form a diffuse veneer on the preexisting surface. Bright material units in these features have a negative spectral slope in the visible range, making it appear bluish with respect to the grey-toned overall surface of Ceres. We calculate the drop height-to-runout length ratio of several flow features and obtain a coefficient of friction of < 0.1: The results imply higher flow efficiency for flow features on Ceres than for similar features on other planetary bodies with similar gravity, suggesting low-viscosity material. The special association of flow features with impact craters could either point to an impact melt origin or to an exogenic triggering of cryovolcanic processes.
Volume
43
Issue
23
Start page
11,994
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0094-8276
Ads BibCode
2016GeoRL..4311994K
Rights
open.access
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