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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • Vesta
  • topography

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Impact phenomena, cratering
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Origin and evolution
  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Asteroids

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 36, L24201, 4 PP., 2009
doi:10.1029/2009GL041155

Calculating the topography of a differentiated Vesta

Yaser N. Kattoum

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Andrew J. Dombard

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Previous examination of the topography of a homogenous Vesta revealed an immense, seemingly abnormal impact crater near the south pole of the asteroid. The crater appeared anomalously shallow, with an extremely tall central peak, suggesting an unusual formation or subsequent modification. Conversely, Vesta is almost certainly differentiated, and we incorporate this notion to reexamine its topography. We find that the central peak is well below the crater rim and that the overall depth of the crater increases, giving it a more ordinary profile. The large density contrast between the metallic core and the overlying silicate layers has the strongest control on the topography. As previously discussed, the location of the crater at the south pole suggests polar wander, necessitating a mechanical structure that allows reorientation of Vesta's large rotational bulge yet preserves the crater's shape, a possibly restrictive scenario. NASA's Dawn spacecraft may observe tectonics consistent with polar wander.

Received 25 September 2009; accepted 12 November 2009; published 17 December 2009.

Citation: Kattoum, Y. N., and A. J. Dombard (2009), Calculating the topography of a differentiated Vesta, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L24201, doi:10.1029/2009GL041155.

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