Distribution of Lunar craters according to morphology from Ranger VIII and IX photographs

Abstract

A classification of the craters photographed by the Ranger VIII and IX missions into four categories according to relative sharpness shows that at diameters of 100 meters, the predominant craters have broad rims and low depth-diameter ratios and are partly covered with smaller craters which generally have sharper rims and higher depth-diameter ratios but include all classes. If competing processes of crater formation and destruction are responsible for the mix of crater types observed, an abrupt increase in the proportion of sharp craters suggests an intense episode of crater destruction to produce a smoothed surface that was subsequently recratered. Data comparable to those presented can readily be obtained from Lunar Orbiter photographs to determine if an increase in the proportion of sharp craters is present over more extensive areas and to test various cratering histories that may account for it.