Geomorphology of the Imhotep region on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from OSIRIS observations

Auger, A. T.; Groussin, O.; Jorda, L.; Bouley, S.; Gaskell, R.; Lamy, P. L.; Capanna, C.; Thomas, Nicolas; Pommerol, Antoine; Sierks, H.; Barbieri, C.; Rodrigo, R.; Koschny, D.; Rickman, H.; Keller, H. U.; Agarwal, J.; A'Hearn, M. F.; Barucci, M. A.; Bertaux, J. L.; Bertini, I.; ... (2015). Geomorphology of the Imhotep region on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from OSIRIS observations. Astronomy and astrophysics, 583(A35), A35. EDP Sciences 10.1051/0004-6361/201525947

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Context. Since August 2014, the OSIRIS Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) onboard the Rosetta spacecraft has acquired high spatial resolution images of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, down to the decimeter scale. This paper focuses on the Imhotep region, located on the largest lobe of the nucleus, near the equator. Aims. We map, inventory, and describe the geomorphology of the Imhotep region. We propose and discuss some processes to explain the formation and ongoing evolution of this region. Methods. We used OSIRIS NAC images, gravitational heights and slopes, and digital terrain models to map and measure the morphologies of Imhotep. Results. The Imhotep region presents a wide variety of terrains and morphologies: smooth and rocky terrains, bright areas, linear features, roundish features, and boulders. Gravity processes such as mass wasting and collapse play a significant role in the geomorphological evolution of this region. Cometary processes initiate erosion and are responsible for the formation of degassing conduits that are revealed by elevated roundish features on the surface. We also propose a scenario for the formation and evolution of the Imhotep region; this implies the presence of large primordial voids inside the nucleus, resulting from its formation process.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Physics Institute > Space Research and Planetary Sciences

UniBE Contributor:

Thomas, Nicolas, Pommerol, Antoine, Elmaarry, Mohamed Ramy

Subjects:

500 Science > 520 Astronomy
500 Science > 530 Physics

ISSN:

0004-6361

Publisher:

EDP Sciences

Language:

English

Submitter:

Katharina Weyeneth-Moser

Date Deposited:

14 Jun 2016 15:43

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:55

Publisher DOI:

10.1051/0004-6361/201525947

Web of Science ID:

000365072200035

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.81637

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/81637

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