Geology of the Debussy quadrangle (H14), Mercury

Abstract

Mercury’s Debussy Quadrangle (H14) lies between 0–90° E and 22.5–65° S. Here we use MESSENGER data to produce the first geological map of this quadrangle at a scale of 1:3,000,000, based on linework completed at a scale of 1:300,000. We distinguish crater units and plains units. For compatibility with historic and recent maps of other Mercury quadrangles, and with the first global geological map (Main Map), we have made two versions of the map, with craters classified according to a 3-class and a 5-class degradation system. We distinguish additional units for the materials related to the Rembrandt impact basin. We subdivide the plains between the craters into three units: Smooth, Intermediate and Intercrater Plains, which represent different generations of plains formation. At least some of the Smooth Plains postdate the Rembrandt impact event.

Keywords

• mercury
• debussy
• craters
• plains