Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
The morphology and optical properties of the surface of Mercury resemble that of the moon in remarkable detail, recording a very similar sequence of events; chemical and mineralogical similarity of the outer layers is implied. Mercury is probably a differentiated planet with an iron-rich core. Differentiation is inferred to have occurred very early. No evidence of atmospheric modification of any landform is 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, perhaps related to contraction of the core.
Keywords:
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Type:
NASA-TM-X-72193
,
REPT-206
,
Soviet-Am. Conf. on the Cosmochemistry of the Moon and Planets; Jun 04, 1974 - Jun 08, 1974; Moscow; Soviet Union
Format:
application/pdf
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