269-11 Planetary Depression: A Study of Impact Crater Representation in Geologic Maps

Session: Planetary Geologic Mapping Across the Solar System (Posters)

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Abstract:

Impact craters are prevalent features on solid surface bodies in the Solar System and their extensive study is a powerful tool for understanding geologic processes. These depressions have been used to understand the character of the subjacent strata, as well as establishing temporal relationships to better define the geologic history. Despite the abundance of impact-related terrains presented in planetary geologic maps, classification and representation of impact features is lacking. Little uniformity is found when examining the methodologies used over time to define and delineate commonly used crater units and symbols. To combat this, we are currently focusing our studies on how to better represent impact features across planetary bodies at various map scales with the goal of providing guidance to mappers on how to consistently represent mapped impact features.

Testing has begun with a draft schema that we developed which recommends a scale-based mapping approach for impact features but delivers a scale agnostic solution to their visual representation. For any given printed map scale, craters with diameters 2–5 mm are represented by a single surface feature, craters with diameters between 5 and 16 mm by single undivided units, and craters larger than 16 mm by multiple units. As an example, a 1:1,000,000 scale map will apply the size parameters to craters <5 km, 5–16 km, and >16 km in diameter, respectively.

To put this schema into practice, we are currently mapping Mercury, the Moon, and Mars at three distinct scales, representing a standard chart map scale, a standard quad map scale, and a non-standard large-scale map. Mercury and the Moon will be mapped at 1:5M, 1:1M, and 1:100K, while Mars will be mapped at 1:5M,1:500K, and 1:50K. Thus far, we have mapped the impact-related units and features for all three scales of Mars and the 1:5M scale for Mercury.

Future work includes continuing to map the remaining scales and bodies, and subsequent assessment of schema transferability from body to body. Completion of mapping on these additional bodies will support the assessment of whether one universal schema can scale across multiple bodies, or if additional considerations will need to be implemented, such as surface crater density and target body radii.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10819

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