Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms

Living Edition

Microcratered Rock

Living reference work entry
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9213-9_243-1
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Definition

A rock in which micrometer- to centimeter-scale impact pits are observed on one or more faces.

Synonyms

Space weathering patina

Description

The upper (exposed) rock surfaces are more rounded and smooth, while the lower, buried surface remains angular (Hörz et al. 1991). The thin brown surface coating of a microcratered or (space-)weathered rock is called patina (Morrison et al. 1973; Wentworth et al. 1999; Meyer 2003–2008).

Subtypes

In addition to “classic” microcratered patina, Wentworth et al. (1999) identified two other patina subtypes, glazed patina consisting of a smooth layer or layers of heterogeneous glassy material and fragmental patina – fine-grained fragmental material welded to the surface of the rock. In addition, Frushour et al. (2014) described several patinas that do not fit neatly into these three classes, suggesting a wide array of subtypes might exist. These other patina types are likely formed in proximity to impact events and do not require the long...

Keywords

Impact Crater Cosmic Dust Lunar Sample Lunar Rock Fragmental Material 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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References

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Copyright information

© Springer Science Business Media New York (outside the USA) 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.691 AstrochemistryNASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbeltUSA