Potential Identification of sublimation-driven downslope mass movement on Mercury

We have identified a further example of mass movement, in addition to the previously identified example in the pyroclastic vent NE of Rachmaninoff. Both examples show evidence of hollow sublimation being a cause of the mass movements

Small smooth units (‘young’ lavas?) abutting lobate scarps on Mercury

We have identified small units abutting, and so stratigraphy younger than, lobate scarps. This post dates the end of large scale smooth plains formation at the onset of global contraction. This elaborates the history of volcanism on Mercury

1:3M Geological Mapping of the Derain (H-10) Quadrangle of Mercury

We are making a high resolution geological map of the Derain quadrangle of Mercury. This is part of a coordinated project to create a global set of geological maps for BepiColombo

Preliminary Results of 1:3 Million Geological Mapping of the Mercury Quadrangle H-10 (Derain)

MESSENGER heralded a new era in our geological understanding of Mercury as a dynamic planet. Geological mapping of surface features is essential in understanding both local and global geology. To this end, we have started mapping the H-10 (Derain) quadrangle to publish at 1:3 million scale to the same standards as other new MESSENGER mapping. This will allow integration into a global geological map. H-10 quadrangle is in the equatorial band of Mercury, located between 0°–72°E and 22N°–22°S. It was not imaged by Mariner 10; therefore this MESSENGER-based work is the first high resolution geological mapping of the quadrangle. Here we present initial observations from the first stages of mapping

Geology of the Debussy quadrangle (H14), Mercury

Mercury’s Debussy Quadrangle (H14) lies between 0–90° E and 22.5–65° S. Here we use MESSENGER data to produce the first geological map of this quadrangle at a scale of 1:3,000,000, based on linework completed at a scale of 1:300,000. We distinguish crater units and plains units. For compatibility with historic and recent maps of other Mercury quadrangles, and with the first global geological map (Main Map), we have made two versions of the map, with craters classified according to a 3-class and a 5-class degradation system. We distinguish additional units for the materials related to the Rembrandt impact basin. We subdivide the plains between the craters into three units: Smooth, Intermediate and Intercrater Plains, which represent different generations of plains formation. At least some of the Smooth Plains postdate the Rembrandt impact event

Geology of the Derain quadrangle (H10), Mercury

We present the results of geological mapping of Mercury’s Derain (H10) quadrangle (0°-72°E and 22.5°N-22.5°S) using data from the MESSENGER spacecraft. The map is presented on a scale of 1:3,000,000, for which linework was drawn at 1:300,000. We distinguish three major morphological plains units: Smooth, Intermediate, and Intercrater Plains. We produced two versions of the map, with craters classified according to a 3- and 5-class degradation system. This allows compatibility with other MESSENGER-era maps and Mariner 10-era maps. This map will help provide science context for the ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury

Potential Identification of Downslope Mass Movements on Mercury Driven by Volatile-Loss

International audienceWe have identified lineated mass movements on some young slopes. These features are not common and may be linked to volatile sublimation

Landforms caused by downslope mass wasting on Mercury

International audienc

1:3million Scale Geological Mapping of the Derain Quadrangle, Mercury

International audienceWe are making a high resolution geological map of the De rain quadrangle (H-10) of Mercury. This is part of a coordinated project to create a global set of geological maps for BepiColombo