Eighth International Conference on Mars (2014) 1108.pdf ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION OF FLOOR-FRACTURED CRATERS ON MARS. M. Bamberg1,2, R. Jau- mann2,3 and H. Asche1, 1Geoinformation Research Group, Department of Geography, University of Potsdam, Germany, 2German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany, 3Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Geosciences, Remote Sensing of Earth and Planets, Germany (
[email protected]) Introduction: Floor-Fractured Craters (FFCs) are We developed automated and statistical analysis tools a specific impact crater type [1,2]. These craters are [3,4]. They operate on the FFC database and defined characterized by the distinct appearance of their floors, key parameters for each origin process. The tools ob- which exhibit fractures and knobs. They show a diverse tain results, which rely on defined geostatistical tech- set of surface features and occur in different Martian niques (measurements, calculations, classifications). environments. Several processes, such as volcanism, Based on these tools the craters are classified regarding tectonics, water, and ice are responsible for the devel- to the most potential origin process [4]. opment of fractures [2]. We established FFC distributions [2,3] and classi- fied the reason for fracturing.We defined key parame- ters and rules for each origin process. The FFC classi- fication with regard to the involved fracturing process is based on these rules [4]. The research about FFCs will help to gain a better understanding of the spatial distribution of craters on Mars and the involved processes in FFC formation and evolution. Finding these craters on Mars and identify- Figure 1: Example FFC (CTX images & HRSC DTM).