Moore F is located in the highlands of the lunar farside. Its well-defined rim, steep walls, and the predominance of boulders suggest that it is quite young. Over time, micrometeorite bombardment, the shock from more recent impacts, and other erosional processes break down the rock that composes the crater rim, walls, and floor. The result will eventually be a smoother, more subdued appearance. The many large blocks suggest that Moore F has only just begun to break down.
The impact process left Moore F with exquisite impact melt, abundant terracing, and a stunning central uplift, but a closer look reveals subsequent modification courtesy of gravity that has yielded even more entrancing beauty in the flows streaming down its walls, as in the NAC image below.
The streaks we see on the walls of Moore F in the image above are likely made of granular material that acted like a fluid as it slid downslope. But how do we know if the flows formed by the downslope movement of dry, fine-grained material? The sources of the flows can be traced to specific locations and outcrops along the rim of the crater, suggesting that this is material from the rim that was disturbed and flowed downslope. The slightly braided appearance suggests multiple depositional episodes. These episodes could have been triggered by collapsing material from the rim or wall, boulders (like those in the opening image) knocking material loose as they hurtle downhill, or by shockwaves from nearby impacts.
Investigate this incredible NAC mosaic below!
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Erosional Trough on Crater Wall
Published by H. Meyer on 24 June 2014