A unified nomenclature for tectonic structures on the surface of Enceladus

Abstract

Enceladus has experienced widespread and diverse tectonic deformation. The diversity and nonuniform distribution of structures visible on the surface attests to a complicated and perhaps long-lived tectonic history. Currently, no fundamental classification scheme based on morphology exists for the tectonic structures on Enceladus, which limits analysis and discussion of tectonic structures and regional and global tectonic histories. Characterization and classification of structures on Enceladus is an important first step in understanding its tectonic history. Here, we propose a global morphologic (i.e., nongenetic) classification scheme for tectonic structures on Enceladus. Five classes of tectonic structures on Enceladus have been identified based on images and limited topographic data: troughs, scarps, chasmata, ridges, and bands. Morphological variation of structures exists within these classes, reinforcing the complicated tectonic history of this small body.