P53A-2106
THE FIRST GLOBAL GEOLOGICAL MAP OF MERCURY

Friday, 18 December 2015
Poster Hall (Moscone South)
Louise M Prockter1, James W Head III2, Paul K Byrne3, Brett Wilcox Denevi4, Mallory Janet Kinczyk4, Caleb Fassett5, Jennifer Whitten6, Rebecca Thomas7, Carolyn M Ernst4 and MESSENGER Mapping Group, (1)Applied Physics Laboratory Johns Hopkins, Laurel, MD, United States, (2)Brown University, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Providence, RI, United States, (3)North Carolina State University Raleigh, Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, Raleigh, NC, United States, (4)The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States, (5)Mount Holyoke College, Department of Astronomy, South Hadley, MA, United States, (6)Brown University, Providence, RI, United States, (7)Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Abstract:
Geological maps are tools with which to understand the distribution and age relationships of surface geological units and structural features on planetary surfaces. Regional and limited global mapping of Mercury has already yielded valuable science results, elucidating the history and distribution of several types of units and features, such as regional plains, tectonic structures, and pyroclastic deposits. To date, however, no global geological map of Mercury exists, and there is currently no commonly accepted set of standardized unit descriptions and nomenclature. With MESSENGER monochrome image data, we are undertaking the global geological mapping of Mercury at the 1:15M scale applying standard U.S. Geological Survey mapping guidelines. This map will enable the development of the first global stratigraphic column of Mercury, will facilitate comparisons among surface units distributed discontinuously across the planet, and will provide guidelines for mappers so that future mapping efforts will be consistent and broadly interpretable by the scientific community.

To date we have incorporated three major datasets into the global geological map: smooth plains units, tectonic structures, and impact craters and basins >20 km in diameter. We have classified most of these craters by relative age on the basis of the state of preservation of morphological features and standard classification schemes first applied to Mercury by the Mariner 10 imaging team. Additional datasets to be incorporated include intercrater plains units and crater ejecta deposits. In some regions MESSENGER color data is used to supplement the monochrome data, to help elucidate different plains units. The final map will be published online, together with a peer-reviewed publication. Further, a digital version of the map, containing individual map layers, will be made publicly available for use within geographic information systems (GISs).

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