Use the following questions to check your understanding of some of the many types of visual information used in astronomy. For additional practice, try the Chapter 9 Visual Quiz at Mastering Astronomy.
The image from a MESSENGER flyby shows evidence of impact catering, volcanism, and tectonic activity on Mercury. Answer the following questions based on the image. Remember that craters are bowl-shaped and rough-floored when they form, and wipe out any preexisting features in the area. Lava on Mercury appears to be fairly runny and makes flat smooth plains as it spreads out.
2. The region around 2b has far fewer craters than the region around 2c. The crater floor at 2a is also flat and smooth, without many smaller craters on it. Why are regions 2a and 2b so smooth?
a. Few small craters ever formed in these regions.
b. Erosion erased craters that once existed in these regions.
c. Lava flows covered craters that once existed in these regions.
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The Cosmic Perspective (9th Edition)
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