Distribution of large‐scale contractional tectonic landforms on Mercury: Implications for the origin of global stresses. Issue 10 (29th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watters, Thomas R.; Selvans, Michelle M.; Banks, Maria E.; Hauck, Steven A.; Becker, Kris J.; Robinson, Mark S.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 42:Issue 10(2015:May)
• Page Start: 3755
• Page End: 3763
• Publication Date: 2015-05-29
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2015GL063570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The surface of Mercury is dominated by contractional tectonic landforms that are evidence of global‐scale crustal deformation. Using MESSENGER orbital high‐incidence angle imaging and topographic data, large‐scale lobate thrust fault scarps have been mapped globally. The spatial distribution and areal density of the contractional landforms are not uniform; concentrations occur in longitudinal bands and between the north and south hemispheres. Their orientations are generally north‐south at low latitude to midlatitude and east‐west at high latitudes. The spatial distribution and distribution of orientations of these large‐scale contractional features suggest that planet‐wide contraction due to interior cooling cannot be the sole source of global stresses. The nonrandom orientations are best explained by a combination of stresses from global contraction and tidal despinning combined with an equator‐to‐pole variation in lithospheric thickness, while the nonuniform areal density of the contractional features may indicate the influence of mantle downwelling or heterogeneities in lithospheric strength.</p> </abstract>