Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures
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Abstract
The surface morphology and optical properties of Mercury resemble those of the moon in remarkable detail and record a very similar sequence of events. Chemical and mineralogical similarity of the outer layers of Mercury and the moon is implied; Mercury is probably a differentiated planet with a large iron-rich core. Differentiation is inferred to have occurred very early. No evidence of atmospheric modification of landforms has been found. Large-scale scarps and ridges unlike lunar or Martian features may reflect a unique period of planetary compression near the end of heavy bombardment by small planetesimals.
Suggested Citation
Murray, B.C., Belton, M.J., Danielson, G.E., Davies, M.E., Gault, D.E., Hapke, B., O'Leary, B., Strom, R., Suomi, V., Trask, N., 1974, Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures: Science, v. 185, no. 4146, p. 169-179, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.185.4146.169.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.185.4146.169 |
| Volume | 185 |
| Issue | 4146 |
| Year Published | 1974 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 169 |
| Last page | 179 |
| Other Geospatial | Mercury |