Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures

B. C. Murray; M. J. S. Belton; G. Edward Danielson; M. E. Davies; D. E. Gault; B. Hapke; B. O'Leary; R.G. Strom; V. Suomi; N. Trask

doi:10.1126/science.185.4146.169

USGS · 70010187

Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures

B. C. Murray·M. J. S. Belton·G. Edward Danielson·M. E. Davies·D. E. Gault·B. Hapke·B. O'Leary·R.G. Strom·V. Suomi·N. Trask

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Abstract

The surface morphology and optical properties of Mercury resemble those of the moon in remarkable detail and record a very similar sequence of events. Chemical and mineralogical similarity of the outer layers of Mercury and the moon is implied; Mercury is probably a differentiated planet with a large iron-rich core. Differentiation is inferred to have occurred very early. No evidence of atmospheric modification of landforms has been found. Large-scale scarps and ridges unlike lunar or Martian features may reflect a unique period of planetary compression near the end of heavy bombardment by small planetesimals.

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B. C. Murray, M. J. S. Belton, G. Edward Danielson, M. E. Davies, D. E. Gault, B. Hapke, B. O'Leary, R.G. Strom, V. Suomi, N. Trask. 1974. Mercury's surface: Preliminary description and interpretation from Mariner 10 pictures. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.185.4146.169

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