Scours and Ejecta Near Jules Verne Y

A topographic depression is mantled by impact debris (31.4°S; 145.0°E). NAC frame M130700036R, illumination is from the east, north is up, image is 800 m wide [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University].

The extreme energy of ground-hugging debris surges emanating from impact events often results in a distinctive V-shaped surface expression where the deposits are relatively fresh. Here we see such striations oriented with their apices pointing toward a fresh, unnamed impact crater just northwest of Jules Verne Y in the farside Highlands. The Featured Image highlights an area where this effect, which results from low-angle secondary impacts of ejected debris, seems to have been accentuated by local topography.

A wider view of NAC frame M130700036R. Image is approximately 5 km in width [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University].

A wider field of view of the same NAC frame gives context to the Featured Image location.

Enlarging this WAC mosaic will permit inspection of scours radiating from the fresh impact just northwest of Jules Verne Y. Image with is approximately 950 km [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University].

Even in the 100 m/pixel WAC mosaic, scours from interacting ejecta and terrain are clearly visible. To the northeast of the fresh crater can be seen additional scours that are oriented in a southwesterly to northeasterly direction, away from the impact site. View the full NAC frame below. Other examples of recent deposits can be found In the Wake of Giordano Bruno, Ejecta Starburst, and Action Shot.

Published by James Ashley on 1 November 2012