description Matisse Overview
Matisse is a large, ancient impact crater located on the planet Mercury. The crater is heavily degraded and features a prominent system of extensional troughs, known as graben, across its interior basin floor. These geological features suggest that the crater floor underwent extensional stress after its formation. The crater was named by the International Astronomical Union after the French artist Henri Matisse.
help Matisse FAQ
Where is Matisse Crater located?
Matisse is a large ancient impact crater on Mercury. It is heavily degraded because its surface has been altered by later impacts and geological processes.
What are the graben inside Matisse Crater?
Graben are elongated troughs formed when the crust stretches and breaks. Matisse has a prominent system of these extensional troughs across its interior basin floor.
Why are the troughs inside Matisse Crater important?
They suggest that the crater floor underwent extension after the impact. This provides evidence that Mercury's crust changed significantly after the basin formed.
Is Matisse Crater a young crater?
No, it is described as large and ancient, with substantial degradation. Its worn appearance indicates that it has been exposed to Mercury's surface environment for a very long time.
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