Definition
Green is an impact crater located in the Argyre quadrangle of Mars.
Overview
The crater lies at 52°42′ S latitude and 8°24′ W longitude (approximately 52.7° S, 8.4° W) and spans a diameter of about 184 km. It is situated in the southern high‑latitude region of the planet and is part of the extensive Argyre basin system. High‑resolution imagery from orbiting spacecraft such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has revealed a variety of geomorphological features within the crater, including dunes, gullies, and possible remnants of ancient glacial activity.
Etymology / Origin
The crater is named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) after Nathan E. Green (1823–1899), a British astronomer noted for his work in planetary observation. The naming follows the IAU convention of honoring deceased scientists who have contributed to the study of planetary bodies.
Characteristics
- Morphology: The interior floor of Green crater hosts extensive dune fields, primarily composed of barchan dunes that form under unidirectional wind regimes with sufficient sand supply. Dark dust‑devil tracks and bright ice‑related deposits are also evident in orbital images.
- Gullies and Debris Flows: Seasonal gullies have been observed on the dune slopes. Some researchers interpret these as debris flows potentially generated by transient liquid water or meltwater from subsurface ice during the warmest part of the southern summer.
- Glacial Evidence: Arc‑shaped ridges interpreted as old glacier remnants are visible along the crater walls, suggesting that glaciation may have occurred in the region during past climatic periods.
- Surface Composition: Spectral data indicate a mixture of basaltic sand and dust, with localized bright patches likely representing exposed ice or frost.
- Scientific Interest: Green crater serves as a natural laboratory for studying aeolian processes, periglacial activity, and the potential for short‑lived liquid water on present‑day Mars.
Related Topics
- List of craters on Mars – a catalog of named impact features across the planet.
- Argyre quadrangle – the planetary mapping region encompassing Green crater and surrounding terrain.
- Martian gullies – erosional channels that may involve water‑related processes.
- Barchan dunes – crescent‑shaped sand dunes formed by steady wind direction, common on Mars.
- International Astronomical Union planetary nomenclature – the authority governing the naming of planetary surface features.