Synonyms
Definition
A chasma (plural: chasmata) is a broad, deep, elongate trough or depression. Chasmata are bounded by steep scarps that can form a series of terraces. A chasma is preferentially created by extensional tectonic forces. On the terrestrial planets, Venus and Mars have a large number of chasmata. In the outer Solar System, chasmata are major surface features on the icy satellites of Saturn and Uranus.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
Wagner, R. (2011). Chasma, Chasmata. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11274-4_266
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11274-4_266
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11271-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-11274-4
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics