Abstract
The tectonic and volcanic modifications of Dione are described and interpreted. It is proposed that after the formation of a brittle outer shell, but before the end of heavy meteoritic bombardment, global expansion due to radionuclide heating (and perhaps a loss of oblateness due to tidal despinning and orbital recession) produced a global system of lineaments. An NH 3 · H 2O melt was produced and “erupted” on the surface to form plains units. Cooling of the interior (or a phase change) led to horizontal compression in the surface. Compression of a thick deposit of plains material, possibly overlying a décollement surface, is proposed to explain cratered-plains ridges developed as thrust or high-angle reverse faults. Following formation of ridges and smooth plains, the surface experienced light cratering.
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