Mojave (crater)
Encyclopedia
Mojave Crater is an impact crater in the Oxia Palus quadrangle
of Mars
located at
7.5° N and 33.1° W. It is 58.5 km in diameter and was named after a town in California, USA.
Mojave Crater, in the Xanthe Terra
region, has alluvial fans that look remarkably similar to landforms in the Mojave Desert in the American southwest. Fans inside and around the outsides of Mojave crater on Mars are a perfect match to Earth's alluvial fans. As on Earth, the largest rocks are near the mouths of the fans. Because channels start at the top of ridges, it is believed they were formed by heavy downpours. Researchers have suggested that rain may have initiated by impacts.
Mojave Crater is approximately 2,604 meters (1.63 miles) deep. Based on its diameter and depth, researchers believe it is very young. It has not been around long enough to accumulate material and start to fill. It is giving scientists great insight into impact processes on Mars since it is so fresh.
Oxia Palus quadrangle
The Oxia Palus quadrangle is one of a series of 30 quadrangle maps of Mars used by the United States Geological Survey Astrogeology Research Program. The Oxia Palus quadrangle is also referred to as MC-11 ....
of Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
located at
7.5° N and 33.1° W. It is 58.5 km in diameter and was named after a town in California, USA.
Mojave Crater, in the Xanthe Terra
Xanthe Terra
Xanthe Terra is a large area on Mars, centered just north of the Martian equator. Its coordinates are and it covers 2465 km at its broadest extent. Its name means "golden-yellow land." It is in the Lunae Palus quadrangle and the Oxia Palus quadrangle....
region, has alluvial fans that look remarkably similar to landforms in the Mojave Desert in the American southwest. Fans inside and around the outsides of Mojave crater on Mars are a perfect match to Earth's alluvial fans. As on Earth, the largest rocks are near the mouths of the fans. Because channels start at the top of ridges, it is believed they were formed by heavy downpours. Researchers have suggested that rain may have initiated by impacts.
Mojave Crater is approximately 2,604 meters (1.63 miles) deep. Based on its diameter and depth, researchers believe it is very young. It has not been around long enough to accumulate material and start to fill. It is giving scientists great insight into impact processes on Mars since it is so fresh.