THE DEBRIS


A JUMBLE OF UNUSUAL SHAPES

  The first impression of the debris in the crater is one of confusion. Normally the interpretation of crater debris is pretty straightforward, since it consists mostly of loose regolith, boulders, or lava flows. The debris in this crater is particularly difficult to interpret, but some linear and sometimes gridlike tendencies gradually become apparent. What is not apparent are the usual boulders or lava flows.

  The following are just some of the unusual features, with links to pages with larger images and more detailed descriptions and discussion.

 

THE DAISY

[The Daisy]     This feature has an uncanny resemblance to the earthly flower, the daisy. The white spot just above the center of the image is the center of the "daisy". Radiating from this spot are "petals" at 12, 1:30, 3, and 4 o'clock. The petal at 4 o'clock begins to merge with a cell-like pattern in the debris. This cell-like pattern continues below the daisy.

THE TRUNCATED 7 

 [The Truncated 7]  There are a number of unusually angular fragments of debris in this crater, some of them with the characteristics displayed by the "7". This feature resembles a 7 tilted counterclockwise to the 10 o'clock position and slightly twisted. Notice the dark spots along the length of the "7". These
could be interpreted either as bumps or indentations.

THE LOLLIPOP 

[The Lollipop]     Like the daisy, this feature seems to be one of a kind. The "stick" points roughly toward the 7 o'clock position, and the "lollipop" itself is just above center. Note the bump at the center of the lollipop.

THE GEODESIC MAN 

  [The Geodesic Man]   It was probably inevitable that among such a jumble of debris some sort of facelike feature or combination of features would turn up. This feature consists of many triangular shapes, two of which surround the "eyes", and one at the "nose". The top of the "head" is somewhat pointed, as can be seen at top center. The "nose" is at the center, and the "mouth" below that, with a crooked square "jaw". While the face is    amusing, the triangular shapes are anomalous.

  The above features can be seen together in the DAISY.JPG

 

THE TREE

 [The Tree]   The curved feature which covers most of the bottom of this clip resembles a fallen tree. Along the "trunk" are a number of protrusions, or "spikes", which have the appearance of branches broken off near the trunk. Some of these "branches"
appear to extend upslope, overlying some of the debris immediately above the tree. There are a few long, thin linear features which lie over some circular and semicircular   features. These can be seen more easily in the larger image.

  The Tree is highlighted in the TREE.JPG

 

THE RING AND THE DIAMOND

  Either of these features by itself would raise eyebrows, but together they are quite interesting. What might the explanation be for either of these features? The "Ring" (on the left) has a sharply-defined rim inside which lies a slightly convex feature over which lie several raised linear features. These features extend outward, beyond the ring itself.

  The "Diamond" is exactly that; a diamond-shaped depression bordered by a raised rim. Some elongated peices of debris lie over the top of the diamond, while the lower right border appears to be suspended above the surface, casting a shadow.

  The Ring and Diamond are highlighted in the RINGDIAM.JPG


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Author: MikeLomax@aol.com                                                                VGL