Definition
Row of circular depressions.
Subtypes by Formation
- (1)
Secondary crater chains: The ejecta of large, basin-forming impacts usually radial to their source basin, containing craters that overlap sequentially outward (McEwen and Bierhaus 2006 and references therein). Secondary crater chains are distinguished from endogenic features (pit crater chains) by the well-defined rims on the regular and circular craters and the presence of chains in nonvolcanic regions (Wichman and Wood 1995; McKinnon and Schenk 1995).
- (2)
Crater chain (impact, primary): Impacts of fragments of a tidally disrupted body, when an asteroid or comet with low tensile strength is pulled apart by tides during a close approach to a planet, separating into a train of fragments.
- (3)
Pit crater chain, pit chain (endogenic): Surficial collapse into subterranean cavities generally observed in regions that have experienced extension.
Examples of Crater Chains of Uncertain Origin
Moon: The Davy crater chain (Catena...
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References
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Hagen, T.H. (2015). Crater Chain (Type). In: Hargitai, H., Kereszturi, Á. (eds) Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3134-3_104
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