Engineering topics

Strom, R. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Strom, R. G..

At least 37 records · Page 2

NASA NTRS1992

Erosional landforms on the layered terrains in Valles Marineris

Many investigators have proposed potential lakes in Valles Marineris based on the relationship with outflow channels, and a proposed lacustrine origin of layered deposits. We have investigated the erosional style of the layered terrains and evaluated their potential origins as sedimentation in and erosional modification by these lakes. The erosional features that will be discussed are distributed in the central canyon area and classified into terraces and layered depressions. Many terraces can be explained by coastal erosion in lakes as well as by eolian erosion. The lack of terraces on the canyon walls is probably due to more recent sapping and mass wasting of materials with different mechanical response to erosion than the layered terrains. Catastrophic water discharges in Valles Marineris as hypothesized by an ocean model may have been the source of the lakes and the eventual catastrophic release of water from the canyons.

Komatsu, G.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Constraints on the thermal evolution of Venus inferred from Magellan data

The impact craters with diameters from 1.5 to 280 km compiled from Magellan observations indicate that the crater population on Venus has a completely spatially random distribution and the size/density distribution of craters with diameters greater than or equal to 35 km is consistent with a 'production' population with an age of 500 plus or minus 250 m.y. The similarity in size distribution from area to area indicates that the crater distribution is independent of crater size. Also, the forms of the modified craters are virtually identical to those of the pristine craters. These observations imply that Venus reset its cratering record by global resurfacing 500 m.y. ago, and resurfacing declined relatively fast. The fact that less than 40 percent of all craters have been modified and that the few volcanically embayed craters are located on localized tectonic regions indicate that only minor and localized volcanism and tectonism have occurred since the latest vigorous resurfacing event approximately 500 m.y. ago and the interior of Venus has been solid and possibly colder than Earth's. This is because the high-temperature lithosphere of Venus would facilitate upward ascending of mantle plumes and result in extensive volcanism if the venusian upper mantle were as hot as or hotter than Earth's. Therefore, the present surface morphology of Venus may provide useful constraints on the pattern of that vigorous convection, and possibly on the thermal state of the venusian mantle. We examine this possibility through numerical calculations of three-dimensional thermal convection models in a spherical shell with temperature- and pressure-dependent Newtonian viscosity, temperature-dependent thermal diffusivity, pressure-dependent thermal expansion coefficient, and time-dependent internal heat production rate solar magnitude.

Arkani-Hamed, Jafar↗

NASA NTRS1992

Monte Carlo computer simulations of Venus equilibrium and global resurfacing models

Two models have been proposed for the resurfacing history of Venus: (1) equilibrium resurfacing and (2) global resurfacing. The equilibrium model consists of two cases: in case 1, areas less than or equal to 0.03 percent of the planet are spatially randomly resurfaced at intervals of less than or greater than 150,000 yr to produce the observed spatially random distribution of impact craters and average surface age of about 500 m.y.; and in case 2, areas greater than or equal to 10 percent of the planet are resurfaced at intervals of greater than or equal to 50 m.y. The global resurfacing model proposes that the entire planet was resurfaced about 500 m.y. ago, destroying the preexisting crater population and followed by significantly reduced volcanism and tectonism. The present crater population has accumulated since then with only 4 percent of the observed craters having been embayed by more recent lavas. To test the equilibrium resurfacing model we have run several Monte Carlo computer simulations for the two proposed cases. It is shown that the equilibrium resurfacing model is not a valid model for an explanation of the observed crater population characteristics or Venus' resurfacing history. The global resurfacing model is the most likely explanation for the characteristics of Venus' cratering record. The amount of resurfacing since that event, some 500 m.y. ago, can be estimated by a different type of Monte Carolo simulation. To date, our initial simulation has only considered the easiest case to implement. In this case, the volcanic events are randomly distributed across the entire planet and, therefore, contrary to observation, the flooded craters are also randomly distributed across the planet.

Dawson, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Impact craters on Venus: An overview from Magellan observations

Magellan has revealed an ensemble of impact craters on Venus that is unique in many important ways. We have compiled a database describing 842 craters on 89 percent of the planet's surface mapped through orbit 2578 (the craters range in diameter from 1.5 to 280 km). We have studied the distribution, size-frequency, morphology, and geology of these craters both in aggregate and, for some craters, in more detail. We have found the following: (1) the spatial distribution of craters is highly uniform; (2) the size-density distribution of craters with diameters greater than or equal to 35 km is consistent with a 'production' population having a surprisingly young age of about 0.5 Ga (based on the estimated population of Venus-crossing asteroids); (3) the spectrum of crater modification differs greatly from that on other planets--62 percent of all craters are pristine, only 4 percent volcanically embayed, and the remainder affected by tectonism, but none are severely and progressively depleted based on size-density distribution extrapolated from larger craters; (4) large craters have a progression of morphologies generally similar to those on other planets, but small craters are typically irregular or multiple rather than bowl shaped; (5) diffuse radar-bright or -dark features surround some craters, and about 370 similar diffuse 'splotches' with no central crater are observed whose size-density distribution is similar to that of small craters; and (6) other features unique to Venus include radar-bright or -dark parabolic arcs opening westward and extensive outflows originating in crater ejecta.

Schaber, G. G.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Ancient oceans, ice sheets and the hydrological cycle on Mars

A variety of anomalous geomorphological features on Mars can be explained by a conceptual scheme involving episodic ocean and ice-sheet formation. The formation of valley networks early in Mars' history is evidence for a long-term hydrological cycle, which may have been associated with the existence of a persistent ocean. Cataclysmic flooding, triggered by extensive Tharsis volcanism, subsequently led to repeated ocean formation and then dissipation on the northern plains, and associated glaciation in the southern highlands until relatively late in Martian history.

Baker, V. R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Radio structure of the remnant of Tycho's supernova (SN 1572)

The radio emission from the remnant of Tycho's supernova of 1572 arises in a nearly circular, clumpy shell. A very distinct, thin bright rim just outside the main shell can be seen around most of the periphery of the remnant. The outer edge of radio emission, usually defined by this bright rim, coincides perfectly with the outer X-ray boundary. Most of the emission is polarized by a modest amount, with the outer rim particularly prominent. Observations at several wavelengths are used to map out the rotation measure at high angular resolution, and determine the intrinsic magnetic field direction. The magnetic field shows a somewhat cellular pattern but with a net radial orientation and a generally fairly low degree of polarization.

Dickel, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Water resources and hydrology of Mars

The surface of Mars has been extensively modified by a large variety of water erosional and depositional processes. Although liquid water is presently unstable on the planet's surface, in its cold, hyperarid climate, there is abundant geomorphological evidence of past fluvial valley development multiple episodes of catastrophic flooding, periglacial landforms, ice-related permafrost, lake deposits, eroded impact craters and possible glacial landforms throughout much of Mars' geological history. The amount of water required to form such features is estimated to be equivalent to a planet-wide layer approximately 50 meters deep. Some of this water undoubtedly was removed from the planet by atmospheric escape processes, but much probably remains in the subsurface of Mars. Jakosky summarized the present partitioning of water on Mars, expressed as an average global depth, as follows: in the polar caps, 30 meters; in the megaregolith, 500 to 1000 meters; structurally bound in clays, 10 meters; and in high latitude regolith, a few meters. However, most of this water is probably in the form of ice, except in anomalous areas of possible near surface liquid water, and in regions where hydrothermal systems are still active. The best locations for prospecting are those areas where water or ice is sufficiently concentrated at shallow enough depths to make it feasible to pump out or mine.

Baker, V. R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Miranda

Observed geology, photometry, and geophysical data are used to examine various processes and properties that may have contributed to Maranda's evolution. Global tectonics and surface flow features constrain the possible heating mechanisms and materials. Statistics on impact craters and comparisons with other satellites suggest that the impactor-source population evolved through time and that ejecta mantling has resurfaced significant portions of the surface. It is proposed that the coronae, which are unique to Miranda, were formed by relaxation of topographic highs, by lithospheric stress driven by intensity anomalies in the asthenosphere, or by diapirs either breeching the surface or feeding large-scale volcanic flooding through preexisting crack structure.

Greenberg, R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Martian Terrain Ages

The cratering record in the inner Solar System shows two crater populations based on their size/frequency distributions. The heavily cratered surfaces of the Moon, Mercury and Mars all show a similar multisloped crater size distribution which represents the period of heavy bombardment. On the younger plains units of the Moon and Mars the crater size/frequency distribution has about a -3 slope over the same diameter range. The different crater population represents the accumulation of craters since the end of heavy bombardment. The high flux of the early impacting objects dominated the cratering record prior to 3.8 BY. If heavy bombardment was primarily the result of comets (1) or a disrupted planetesimal (2), then heavy bombardment ended simultaneously on all of the inner planets. If, on the other, heavy bombardment was caused by accretional remnants, then it may have extended as much as 1 BY later on Mars than on the Moon and other terrestrial planets (3). Martian surfaces can be dated relative to the end of heavy bombardment by the type of crater population superposed on them. The relative ages of surfaces within these two time divisions can be determined by crater densities.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A radio study of the flat spectrum component in CTB 80

Polarization data obtained from high resolution radio observations of the compact, flat spectrum core of CTB 80 allow the extraction of information on the magnetic field and thermal plasma. The magnetic field direction projected onto the plane of the sky that is derived from the average rotation measure reveals a component that runs tangentially along the southern and western periphery of the radio plateau. The thermal density suggested by the depolarization rate is sufficient, if the plasma has a temperature of several million deg, to account for the X-ray emission detected by the Einstein Observatory. Attention is given to the possible nature of a small scale feature near the edge of the radio plateau, which agrees in position with the brightest radio peak.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Spatial distribution of craters on the Moon and Callisto

The spatial distribution of craters 8 km diameter on an area of Callisto are compared with that of a lunar highlands area from which craters are removed to produce the Callisto size/frequency distribution. Craters in the lunar area are mapped and classified according to degradational type using the five-fold LPL scheme where Class 1 is the freshest and Class 5 the most degraded. The size/frequency distribution are determined and compared with the Callisto area. Craters are removed according to the stage of degradation. Its crater population is basically a production population deficient in large craters relative to that of the terrestrial planets. This indicates that the population of impacting objects responsible for the period of heavy bombardment in the inner solar system was different from that at Jupiter, and probably had a different origin as well.

Ruzicka, A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Modeling Io volcanism: Maximum volcanic temperatures, depths of melting and magma composition

Interim results of thermal and structural modeling of volcanism on Io were presented. The final results of the modeling are summarized. The basic analysis is an evaluation of the magma trigger mechanism for initiating and maintaining eruptions. Secondary aspects include models of the mechanical mode of magma emplacement, interactions with a sulphur-rich upper crust, and more speculative implications for Io's volcanism.

Crumpler, L. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Geologic investigations of outer planets satellites

Four tests are examined: (1) investigation of volcanism on Io; Interim results of thermal and structural modeling of volcanism on Io are presented, (2) a study of the ancient heavily cratered regions on Ganymede, (3) a geologic comparison of the cratering record on Ganymede and Callisto, and (4) a geological and chemical investigation of internal resurfacing processes on the Saturnian satellites. Tasks 2, 3, and 4 utilize Voyager imaging data.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Interpreting the cratering record - Mercury to Ganymede and Callisto

A first analysis is presented of what the Galilean satellites' crater production function is, along with some interpretations of the conclusion. The basic premise is that the larger crater population of the lunar highlands is not at saturation density. The saturation issue is addressed, showing why the concept of saturation of lunar highlands can no longer be regarded as the best hypothesis, at least for large craters. The cratering records of Mars, Mercury, and the moon are reviewed and synthesized, and crater characteristics and statistics for Callisto and Ganymede are discussed and interpreted. It is shown that even the very densely cratered lunar highlands still retain considerable information about their production function; that remarkable similarities exist among the cratering histories of all of the terrestrial planets, both in terms of their production functions and of their total crater densities; and that the Gallilean satellites seem to have experienced quite a different impact history from that of the terrestrial planets.

Woronow, A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Volcanic eruption plumes on Io

The nine eruption plumes observed by Voyager 1 are discussed. The plumes range in height from about 60 to over 300 km with corresponding ejection velocities of about 0.5 to 1.0 km/s. Plume sources are located on level plains rather than topographic highs and consist of either fissures or calderas. Except for Ple, the brightness distribution monotonically decreases from the core to the top of the plume. Numerous surface deposits similar to those associated with active plumes probably mark the sites of recent eruptions. The distribution of active and recent eruptions appears to be concentrated in the equatorial regions. This suggests that the depositional rate is greater and the surface age younger in the equatorial regions, possibly accounting for the active eruptions suggests that sulfur volcanism rather than silicate volcanism is the most likely driving mechanism for the eruption plumes.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Volcanic eruptions on Io

Nine eruption plumes which were observed during the Voyager 1 encounter with Io are discussed. During the Voyager 2 encounter, four months later, eight of the eruptions were still active although the largest became inactive sometime between the two encounters. Plumes range in height from 60 to over 300 km with corresponding ejection velocities of 0.5 to 1.0 km/s and plume sources are located on several plains and consist of fissures or calderas. The shape and brightness distribution together with the pattern of the surface deposition on a plume 3 is simulated by a ballistic model with a constant ejection velocity of 0.5 km/s and ejection angles which vary from 0-55 deg. The distribution of active and recent eruptions is concentrated in the equatorial regions and indicates that volcanic activity is more frequent and intense in the equatorial regions than in the polar regions. Due to the geologic setting of certain plume sources and large reservoirs of volatiles required for the active eruptions, it is concluded that sulfur volcanism rather than silicate volcanism is the most likely driving mechanism for the eruption plumes.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Crater populations on Ganymede and Callisto

Voyager 1 observations reveal heavily cratered surfaces on Ganymede and Callisto which suggest that a period of heavy bombardment occurred in the outer solar system. The overall crater density on Ganymede indicates that the oldest regions began recording the observed crater population at a later time than Callisto. A diameter-dependent loss of craters from 10-40 km occurs on Ganymede and may be due to ice formation or the formation of arcuate troughs. Evidence is given which suggests that the population of bodies responsible for the period of late heavy bombardment in the inner solar system is very different from that responsible for the late heavy bombardment in the outer solar system. In addition, it is postulated that Ganymede and Callisto may principally record a population of bodies that never penetrated the inner solar system in numbers great enough to leave a recognizable signature.

Strom, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Limits on large-crater production and obliteration on Callisto

By comparing results of Monte Carlo simulations of the crater population on Callisto with the observed surface, it is demonstrated that the relative dearth of large craters on Ganymede and Callisto, compared with the terrestrial planets, can not be totally ascribed either to craters relaxing or to craters piercing a thin icy crust. Consequently, the population of objects responsible for the heavy bombardment of the Jovian system differed markedly from that responsible for the late heavy bombardment of the terrestrial planets.

Woronow, A.↗