Abstract
Mars climate models predict hundredfold or greater variations in the mass of the Martian atmosphere due to large amplitude variations in Mars' obliquity through time. The production rates of impact craters on the Martian surface should be greatly affected by these atmospheric mass variations. We have constructed a simulation of the meteor bombardment of Mars which shows that during periods of the lowest theoretical atmospheric mass, the production rates of centimeter‐sized hypervelocity impact craters are increased significantly. These results imply that limited in situ observations of microcraters visible on Martian rock faces could validate major aspects of the astronomical theory for climate change on Mars.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
