Tell-Tale Bedrock in Tyrrhena Terra
Large craters, like this 50-kilometer diameter one, can uplift material from below and form a mountain-like central peak. Craters of this size on Mars become unstable as they form and collapse due to gravity. Craters with central peaks and terraced rims are referred to as “complex” craters.
Geologists study these central peaks because the uplifted bedrock was once deep within the Martian crust. This 3D-perspective shows heavily-fractured bedrock exposed within the peak, and also dark-toned and fragmental rocks that formed during the impact process.
Tell-Tale Bedrock in Tyrrhena Terra
Large craters, like this 50-kilometer diameter one, can uplift material from below and form a mountain-like central peak. Craters of this size on Mars become unstable as they form and collapse due to gravity. Craters with central peaks and terraced rims are referred to as “complex” craters.
Geologists study these central peaks because the uplifted bedrock was once deep within the Martian crust. This 3D-perspective shows heavily-fractured bedrock exposed within the peak, and also dark-toned and fragmental rocks that formed during the impact process.