An Updated Catalog of Rayed Craters on Mars

Abstract

AbstractMartian meteorites represent the only samples of Mars available for study in terrestrial laboratories. In addition to their crystallization and surface ejection ages, these samples provide a detailed understanding of the geochemistry of the martian crust. One of the major outstanding problems regarding martian meteorites is locating the exact source regions on Mars, although the composition and texture of these meteorites limits the source craters to mostly igneous provinces. To help find source craters, we present an updated global catalog of impact craters greater than 3 km diameter with thermally distinct radial patterns (“rays”), which could represent recent impact events. We defined search criteria for identifying rayed craters, assigning a confidence level to each crater, and noted the presence or absence of associated secondary craters. Using daytime and nighttime thermal infrared image data we identified 118 craters with thermally distinct radial patterns between ±60° latitude, of which 89 had not appeared in previous catalogs. We discuss some potential uses of this new catalog in terms of understanding the morphology, location, and composition of each crater. Our preliminary analysis demonstrates the potential future use of this catalog in finding the source location of martian meteorites in regions of sufficient thermal contrast.