Structural geology of Ganymede regional groove systems (60°N–60°S)

Abstract

Brittle deformation on Ganymede surface is represented by grooves tectonic linear landforms. These are regional scale structures that show well-defined morphology from straight to curvilinear. High density of grooves occupies most of the light terrain of the satellite, the grooved terrain. We map grooves on the USGS Voyager and Galileo Mosaic of Ganymede in order to unravel their spatial distribution and tectonic setting. A total of 14,707 grooves were identified, digitized and statistically analysed. A quantitative structural geology approach was used to classify grooves, by considering their azimuth and regional rotation. This procedure allowed to recognize a total of four groove families, named the NE, WNW, NW, and N-S super-systems. The presented structural map represents a tool to study the stress conditions associated with the groove formation and evolution. This map also aims to contribute to the scientific preparation of the upcoming missions and future exploration of Ganymede.

Polygonal impact craters on Ganymede

“…We utilize the regional groove system map of light terrain (60°N–60°S) as presented by Rossi et al. (2020; Figure 3c). Similarly, to understand the structurally controlling factors on dark terrain, we utilize the global geological map as presented by Collins et al.…”

Multidisciplinary Analysis of the Nippur Sulcus Region on Ganymede

“…We improved the regional scale groove mapping of Rossi et al (2020), where grooves were identified as topographic expression of trough structures whose bottom is identified by a contrast in brightness depending on the illumination conditions (Figure 9). First, the grooves detected by Rossi et al (2020) were mapped on the global image mosaic of Ganymede with a resolution of 1 km, assembled by the USGS Astrogeology Science Centre (Becker et al, 2001). The selected grooves from this data set and located in the Nippur Sulcus area were updated, improved and georeferenced to the new controlled 359 m/pixel global Ganymede mosaic from Voyager and Galileo images by Kersten et al (2021), allowing the detection of a larger number of features.…”

“…First, the grooves detected by Rossi et al. (2020) were mapped on the global image mosaic of Ganymede with a resolution of 1 km, assembled by the USGS Astrogeology Science Centre (Becker et al., 2001). The selected grooves from this data set and located in the Nippur Sulcus area were updated, improved and georeferenced to the new controlled 359 m/pixel global Ganymede mosaic from Voyager and Galileo images by Kersten et al.…”

“…We improved the regional scale groove mapping of Rossi et al. (2020), where grooves were identified as topographic expression of trough structures whose bottom is identified by a contrast in brightness depending on the illumination conditions (Figure 9). First, the grooves detected by Rossi et al.…”

“…(a) Mapping area extent and location of the Epigeus ROI (Figure 3); (b) Mapped grooves updated from Rossi et al. (2020) and georeferenced onto the controlled basemap.…”