Geological Processes on Mercury and the Mapping of the Derain (H-10) Quadrangle. - PhDData

Access database of worldwide thesis




Geological Processes on Mercury and the Mapping of the Derain (H-10) Quadrangle.

The thesis was published by Malliband, Christopher Charles, in April 2021, Open University.

Abstract:

I present the results from the first geological map of the Derain (H-10) quadrangle of Mercury and in-depth studies of features identified in the map.

I used ArcGIS software to produce the geological map by integrating and analysing data from the MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft. My results show that the Derain quadrangle has a similar geological history to other quadrangles investigated on Mercury. My mapping showed that two plains classifications are insufficient to represent the diversity of plains material within the Derain quadrangle. Intermediate plains remain enigmatic, but I conclude that at least some are likely to be thin coverings of lava, insufficient to hide underlying craters, that are younger than most smooth plains.

My work to characterise plains units within the Derain quadrangle led to an investigation of previously unstudied small patches (

The full thesis can be downloaded at :
http://oro.open.ac.uk/76037/4/AppendixA-Map_Sheet.pdf


Read the last PhD tips