Chaos terrain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chaos terrain (or chaotic terrain) is an astrogeological term used to denote planetary surface areas where features such as ridges, cracks, and plains appear jumbled and enmeshed with one another. Chaos terrain is a notable feature of the planet Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. In scientific nomenclature, "chaos" is used as a component of proper nouns (e.g., the "Aureum Chaos" on Mars).[1]
[edit] Causes
The specific causes of chaos terrain are not yet well understood. A number of different astrogeological forces have been offered as causes of chaos terrain. On Europa, impact events and subsequent penetration into a ductile or liquid crust have been suggested.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Robert Roy Britt, "Chaos on Mars," Space.com
- ^ Ong, Lissa. "Evidence that chaos terrain on Jupiter's moon Europa is formed by crust-penetrating impacts", Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, Vol. 36, No. 5, p. 144
