Volatiles, Crater Formation and Excavation Dynamics

The influence of volatiles on formation of craters and excavation dynamics: a comparison of impact craters on Mars and on Earth

Impact crater with double-layer emission cover, Steinheim, Mars. Source: ESA, DLR, FU Berlin, Neukum
Source: ESA, DLR, FU Berlin, Neukum

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kenkmann

Dipl. Geol. Gerwin Wulf (PhD student)

Dr. Heike Ulmer

Dr. Michael Poelchau

Funding organization: DFG KE/732/11-2

Term: since 2010

Coorperation Partners:

Jun. Prof. Dr. Stefan van Gasselt (FU-Berlin)

Dr. Axel Wittmann Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX, USA

Abstract

Impact craters on Mars show morphological specifics like central depressions, intense collapsed flanks, fluidized emission covers and multi stage emission. These characteristics are pulled together with fluids which are located in the underground of the crater. The survey is supposed to explain the development of these craters and the role of volatiles for the crater formation. The Noerdlinger Ries is included in the survey as terrestrial analog.

Publications

KENKMANN, T. and WITTMANN, A. (2010) The Ries Crater And The Interpretation Of Ejecta Deposits At Impact Craters On Mars. Workshop: The Ries Crater, the Moon, and the Future of Human Space Exploration" 25.-27.6.2010, Nördlingen.

KENKMANN, T. AND IVANOV, B. A. (2006) Thin-skin delamination around impact craters: an example from the Ries crater, Germany. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 252 (1/2), 15-29.

KENKMANN, T. and SCHOENIAN, F. (2006) Ries and Chicxulub: impact craters on Earth provide insights for Martian ejecta blankets. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 41, 1587-1604.