Geological Mapping and Structural Analysis of the Western Half of the Eminescu Quadrangle (H09), Mercury

Abstract

We present the results of the first geological mapping of the western half of the Eminescu Quadrangle (H09) on Mercury. Multiple data sets from the NASA MESSENGER Mercury Dual Imaging System instrument were used to produce a geological map covering the area between 72°E and 108°E longitude and 22.5°N and 22.5°S latitude. The map was produced at an output scale of 1:3,000,000, with mapping and line digitizing performed at a scale of 1:400,000. We define three morphological plains units: smooth, intermediate, and intercrater plains. Impact craters larger than 5 km in diameter were mapped and classified using a three‐class crater system (C1–C3) based on their degree of degradation. A large population of lobate scarps and wrinkle ridges was also mapped. Frequent surface interconnections are observed between craters and lobate scarps. Craters with diameters between 5 and 20 km are more widely distributed than craters larger than 20 km in diameter or buried and degraded craters. Our preliminary results indicate that compressional tectonic and impact cratering are the dominant processes shaping the surface geomorphology of the study area. The geological map produced in this work represents the first map of the western half of the Eminescu Quadrangle (H09) on Mercury at this output scale. This map will support further investigation of the geological context of the study area. Additionally, we propose a list of 38 geological sites as potential scientific targets to support the ESA–JAXA BepiColombo space mission's objectives to explore Mercury.