MOLA: Proceedure - Crater Activity Student Sheet
(Print Out & Copy for Each Student)
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Data Chart
Crater Depth
(meters) |
Left Wall Angle
(degrees) |
Right Wall Angle
(degrees) |
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
Questions:
- Describe the symmetry of the crater based on the two wall angles of this pass? How asymmetrical is each crater.
Crater Symmetry
(Example: Highly Asymmetrical) |
Degree of Difference
(Example: 40°) |
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
- What areological events could cause a crater wall to loose symmetry?
- Use the profile number and rank the craters from most steep to least steep.
- What pattern can be observed regarding left and right angles?
- What is the relationship between angle degrees and steepness of slope?
- Which two crater profiles show evidence of slump?
- Describe where the path was taken across the crater. (through center, on edge, east or west of center) (record in chart below)
- Craters in the Martian highlands, where it is rockier, have steeper escarpments or a “higher angle of repose.” Lowland areology is more erodible soil and dust, thus crater walls have a gentle slope. Based on this information, hypothesize where each crater could be located.
Crater Path Location
(Example: SE of center highlands) |
Verify (for # 9)
(Example: 40° N - 120° W) |
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
- Now use latitude, longitude and the Viking map to check each crater's location. Record results in Verify column above.
- Which crater is complex? _________
- Can the data in the table at # 1 be used to date the craters and place them in order from oldest to youngest? Think! Explain how this would be done.
- Why do we not see craters such as these on Earth? List and describe your reasons.
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