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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Reflectance and color variations on Mercury: regolith processes and compositional heterogeneity
Mark S Robinson1, Scott L Murchie, David T Blewett
1School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. robinson@ser.asu.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 5, 2008
Summary
MESSENGER spacecraft multispectral images reveal Mercury
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Remote Sensing
- Mercury Geology
Background:
- Mercury's surface exhibits low overall reflectance.
- Previous studies identified broad spectral variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize Mercury's surface units using multispectral imaging.
- Identify distinct geological materials based on spectral properties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of multispectral images from the MESSENGER spacecraft (0.4–1.0 micrometer).
- Classification of surface units based on reflectance and spectral slope.
Main Results:
- Three large-scale units identified: higher-reflectance smooth plains (volcanic), lower-reflectance material (opaque minerals), and intermediate terrain (upper crust).
- Distinct units include fresh crater ejecta, crater floor deposits, and rimless depression materials.
Conclusions:
- Mercury's surface composition is diverse, with distinct units linked to geological processes.
- Spectral analysis provides insights into crustal composition and volcanic history.
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