|
|
|
|
|
ICA Multilingual Glossary
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduction | |||
| 1. | General Terms on Solar System | ||
| 2. | Special Terms on Planetary Cartography | ||
| (Extraterrestrial Cartography Terms) | |||
| 3. | Cartographic Products | ||
| (General Terms characterized Planetary Cartography Products) | |||
| 4. | Planetary Mapping | ||
| 4.1. | General Descriptions related to Planetary Mapping | ||
| 4.2. | Descriptive Terms for Features shown on Planetary Maps | ||
| 4.2.1. | Latin-English Translation of Terms | ||
| 4.2.2. | Terms for Features on Solid Planetary Surfaces | ||
| (Latin Singular - Latin Plural - Description) | |||
| Mercury | |||
| Venus | |||
| Mars | |||
| Moon | |||
| Giant-planet moons | |||
| Asteroids | |||
| 5. | General Descriptions related to Geologic and Morphologic Terms for Features on Planetary Surfaces | ||
| 5.1. | Terms having been officially used in Planetary Nomenclature | ||
| 5.2. | Terms not yet having been officially used in Planetary Nomenclature | ||
| 6. | Terms related to Thematic Cartography | ||
| (Thematic terms using widely in planetary mapping) | |||
| 7. | References | ||
| Attachments (Lists of Names for main features on planets and their moons) | |||
Maps of planetary objects has
become an important new product derived from the space investigations
of several nations. These planetary maps are used for both research activities
and for dissemination of planetary science results to the general populace
of nations throughout the world. The terms used to describe physical and
geographical objects on these planetary objects sometimes do not translate
to the same meaning in different languages. In an attempt to aid international
users of planetary maps in obtaining a correct interpretation of the terrains
portrayed on these maps, the ICA Commission on Planetary Cartography has
initiated a project to collect terms relevant to planetary maps along
with their interpretations in various languages. We are dependent upon
obtaining the terms and their definitions from users of planetary maps
throughout the international community, and we encourage anyone to submit
mapping terms with inconsistent interpretations to either of the authors
listed above. A glossary of planetary mapping terms and their interpretations
in several languages will be posted on the Commission web site (http://airandspace.si.edu/research/ceps/ica).
As an example of the potential problem resulting from a misinterpretation
of terms, we note that the numerical term "billion" has two
distinct meanings in wide usage: one billion means a thousand million
(one times ten to the 9th power) in the United States and France, but
it means a million million (one times ten to the 12th power) in Great
Britain and Germany (Webster's Dictionary). This difference could cause
a significant error in map scale interpretation. Map descriptions can
have similar discrepancies in their usage. For example, a "topographic
map" in English and German usage has contours representing terrain
elevations, but in Russia this same product is called a "hypsometric
map". The glossary should aid in clarifying cases of potential confusion
among mapping terms, as well as provide multiple language expressions
for common mapping features ("mountain" in English is "berg"
in Dutch and German, "montana" in Spanish, and "montagne"
in French).
This paper provides an introduction to an ongoing project by the ICA Commission
on Planetary Cartography. The Commission on Planetary Cartography has
committed to compile a glossary of terms frequently used on planetary
maps, as well as a list of terms from various countries that can be used
to identify features on planetary maps, sometimes with very different
meanings.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is recognized as the global
arbiter of all planetary and satellite nomenclature. Task groups for various
planetary subdivisions were formed to oversee the assignment of names
for newly identified features on any extraterrestrial object. When images
are first obtained of the surface of a planet or other solar system object,
a theme for naming features is chosen and a few of the most prominent
features are named, usually by members of the appropriate IAU task group.
Later, as better images and maps become available, additional features
are named, usually at the request of individual investigators mapping
or describing specific surface features. Names are considered "provisional"
once approved by the appropriate task group, and the names only become
official after being approved by the entire IAU assembly, representing
scientists from all countries of the world. Many people do not realize
that there is this well established procedure for applying names to planetary
surfaces, one that makes the process a global effort and not the jurisdiction
only of the space-faring nations. Along with specific names for individual
features, the IAU has also recognized many terms for use in providing
some broad classification of the feature type. We next provide a list
of the most common of these descriptive terms, sanctioned by the IAU and
developed over many years of planetary map-making. These lists are derived
from a variety of published sources; see the reference section at the
end of this glossary for citations of several key publications regarding
planetary nomenclature.
Glossary Contents
1. General Terms on Solar System
Asteroid is a small
body located in a heliocentric orbit that is usually located between the
orbits of Mars and Jupiter (see asteroid belt). The diameter of asteroids
range from hundreds meters to ~1000 km. At the present time, more than
20,000 asteroids have been discovered. Precise orbits are known for about
5000 asteroids.
Asteroid belt is a region of heliocentric space from 2.1 to 4.3
astronomical units that includes the majority of asteroids.
Asteroid family is a concentration of asteroids with similar orbital
properties. Asteroids are thought to have a common origin; that is, they
are remnants of objects that failed to accrete into a planet. More than
fifty families represent about 40 % all asteroids. The largest family
has 259 members. Quite often the mass of the largest member of a set is
much greater of total mass of all remaining members of the family.
Comet is a small ice-rich body in heliocentric orbit with a diameter
that ranges from hundreds of meters to several kilometers, orbiting the
sun in nearly parabolic paths. When they approach close to the Sun, a
comet forms a "tail" of gas and dust vaporized off the solid
nucleus. Comets are subdivided into long-period comets and short-period
comets, depending on the duration of their orbital period. The following
basic elements refer to the structure of a comet: a nucleus (the solid
central core), a photometric nucleus (the visible bright dusty region
immediately surrounding the nucleus), a coma that makes the "head"
of the comet, and a "tail" of gas and dust.
Cometary nucleus is a rigid body likely consisting of a conglomerate
of refractory rigid particles (olivine, pyroxene, etc.) and "frozen"
volatile components (ice, organic substances, hydrates etc.). The diameter
ranges from 0.5 to 20 km. For example, the nucleus of comet Halley, measured
by space vehicles, is characterized by low density (~0.6 g/cm3), a mass
of ~3 X 1017 g, and three axial dimensions of 7.5 +/- 0.8 km, 8.2 +/-
0.8 km, and 16.0 +/- 1.0 km.
Comparative planetology is a direction of a science investigating
small and planetary Solar system bodies, their structure, history of development
and processes, which have resulted in current state and support their
further development.
Deep space is all space outside the magnetosphere of the Earth.
Sometimes this term is used for designation of all space outside of Earth's
orbit.
Extraterrestrial object is located off the Earth, and has a solid
surface or separate segments of a rigid surface.
Families of comets is designated by aphelion distance of comet
orbits that are near to the orbital distance of various gas-giant planets.
Sets of planetary comets are known for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
The transition from one comet family into another is possibly due to gravitational
disturbances during close encounters with planets.
Galilean satellites are the four largest satellites of Jupiter
(Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto), discovered by Italian scientist Galileo
Galilei in 1610.
Geomorphology is a science about the forms on the surface of a
planetary and small Solar system bodies considering a classification,
origin both development of the relief features and their relationship
with geological structures.
Geologic time scale is sequence, built in the chronological order
for events of a geological history of planetary bodies and intervals of
time, appropriate to them. The geological time scale integrates two various
types of scales: chronometric or geochronologic, based on units of duration
(periods) and chronostratigraphic, which represents chronological sequence
of rocks mountain.
Inferior planets The planets Mercury and Venus are inferior planets
because their orbits are closer to the Sun than is Earth's orbit.
Irregular satellite is a satellite with an eccentric (non-circular),
often inclined orbit, which indicates that it was captured into its present
orbit. Orbits of irregular satellites usually have the objects relatively
far from their central planet. At Jupiter, the irregular satellites form
two groups. The first (internal) group is within a distance of 160 RJ
(radii of Jupiter) and is characterized by an eccentricity e > 0.15
and orbital inclination i > 28°. The second (external) group is
outside a distance of 360 RJ, with e > 0.25 and i > 150°. Some
satellites of Saturn (such as Phoebe) and one satellite of Neptune (Nereid)
are also irregular satellites.
Leading hemisphere is the hemisphere that faces forward, into the
direction of motion of a satellite that keeps the same face toward the
planet. (to item 1
Minor planets. Another term used for asteroids.
Near Space (that is space near the Earth) is usually associated
with the magnetosphere of the Earth. Sometimes it is understood to be
all pf deep space within the limits of Earth's orbit.
Outer planets (gas-giant planets) are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and
Neptune. They differ from terrestrial planets by their larger sizes and
lower mean densities, as well as chemical and internal structural differences.
About 99.6 % of the total mass of all the planets is contained within
the gas-giant planets. Principal components of the dense atmospheres of
Jupiter and Saturn are hydrogen and helium. Uranus and Neptune contain
mostly hydrogen, helium and methane. The gas-giant planets have numerous
satellites. All of these planets are circled by rings that consist of
small solid particles.
Planet is a celestial body orbiting around the Sun, held by the
solar gravitational field and reflecting solar light. Today nine planets
are known in the Solar System. Many planets, with the exceptions of Mercury
and possibly Pluto, have a gaseous envelope or atmosphere. Also, most
planets have satellites, except for Mercury and Venus. Based on the physical
characteristics, chemical composition and internal structure, the planets
are divided into two groups: terrestrial planets and gas-giant planets.
Planetary body is an object described by the approximately spherical
form (shape) that it assumes under the hydrostatic force produced by gravity
associated with its mass. The planets, large satellites of planets and
the largest asteroids all can fall within a class of planetary bodies
prescribed by a mostly spherical shape. Also sometimes called a planetoid.
Planetesimal is a hypothetical solid celestial body that accumulated
during the last stages of accretion, as part of the formation of a larger
planetary body.
Regular satellite is a satellite within a miniature "solar
system" orbiting about the three largest gas-giant planets. They
include the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter, eight satellites of Saturn,
and five satellites of Uranus. Orbits of regular satellites, as a rule,
are nearly circular and lie near the equator of their central planet.
It is believed that the systems of regular satellites formed under processes
similar to those that resulted in the formation of the Solar System as
a whole.
Satellite is a body in orbit around another larger body (such as
a planet or star).
Solar system describes all material substance and deep space included
within the sphere of the gravitational attraction of the Sun. This includes
the Sun, the planetary system, asteroids, comets, and all gas and dust
that is gravitationally bound to the Sun. The effective edge of the solar
system corresponds to distances from the Sun where the gravitational perturbations
of passing stars are of comparable magnitude to the gravitational pull
of the Sun itself.
Space is all space located beyond the Earth and its atmosphere
or, more precisely, outside the ionosphere. Accordingly, the magnetosphere
bounding the ionosphere is already part of deep space. Also applies to
terms such as near space or deep space.
Stratigraphy is 1. Area of geology engaging problems of historical
sequence of primary relationships and geographical distribution of formations
composing planetary body crust and reflecting stages, its nature of development.
2. The description on bedding sequence of geological formations of that
or other region.
Terminator The dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated
part of the moon's or a planet's disk. (To item 1)
Trailing hemisphere The hemisphere that faces backwards, away from
the direction of motion of a satellite that keeps the same face toward
the planet. (To item 1)
Terrestrial planets
are planets with the physical characteristics, chemical composition and
internal structure similar to the Earth. Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars
belong to this category. The terrestrial planets have 0.4% of the total
mass of all the planets in the Solar System. Some large satellites of
planets are also similar to the characteristics of the terrestrial planets,
and may be considered to be members of this group that are in orbit about
a larger planet.
Glossary Contents
2. Special Terms on Planetary Cartography
Cartographic materials for
planetary cartography include maps such as general geographic, thematic,
special, and topographic maps, and atlases such as photographic, specialized
and complex (or integrated), globes, and different models of celestial
bodies.
Cartographic organizations on planetary cartography are groups
of experts engaged in extraterrestrial mapping, such as Working Groups
and Commissions in international unions, and experts on national committees
or budget organizations for separate countries (e.g., the Commission on
Planetary Cartography in the ICA).
Cartographic sources for planetary cartography, these include materials
from a space survey, materials from ground-based telescopic observations,
and all graphic, digital and text data used for drawing and updating maps.
Cartometry (map measurements) in planetary cartography is a section
of cartography of extraterrestrial objects that includes methods of measurement
on maps of lengths, areas, angles, volumes, etc. Also can include calculation
of the statistical distribution of separate relief features.
Extraterrestrial Cartography is mapping of all objects located
off the Earth (e.g., celestial star charts, maps of sun spots, etc.).
History of planetary cartography investigates problems connected
to the origin and evolution of the mapping process for solar system bodies.
Nomenclature on planetary cartography is a system of names for
features on planetary surfaces (including relief features).
Planetary Cartography includes all cartographic materials produced
for objects with solid surfaces external to the Earth. This can include
any spatially mapped characteristic (e.g., topography, geology, and geophysical
properties) for extraterrestrial surfaces. Also can be referred to as
the Cartography of Extraterrestrial Objects (CEO).
Transcription in planetary cartography is a system of special phonetic
sounds used to aid the correct pronunciation of the sounds associated
with various names.
Transliteration in planetary cartography is the use of geographical
names for objects on extraterrestrial territories, written in one alphabet
as an aid to understanding the name in another alphabet.
Glossary Contents
3.
Cartographic Products
(General Terms characterized Planetary Cartography Products)
Albedo map shows the
measured difference in surface reflectivity from the surface of celestial
body.
Atlas is a special collection of images of a celestial body surface.
The images may be from either ground-based or spacecraft sources. Usually
a single scale or set of scales is used throughout the atlas. Atlases
can have specific themes (e.g., photographic, specialized to certain problems,
thematic, etc.).
Complex (integrated) atlas of groups of celestial bodies is a systematic
collection of maps of a group of celestial bodies (e.g., the terrestrial
planets, satellites of the gas-giant planets, etc.), giving a capability
for the analysis of the collected information through comparative planetology.
Geochemical map shows the distribution of chemical elements or
minerals on the surface of a celestial body.
Geologic map is a graphic representation generalizing the geological
history of the area covered by the map. It includes information on the
structure, distribution, age, and genetic type of rocks on the surface
of the celestial body.
Geologic/morphologic map shows the spatial distribution of geologic,
geomorphologic, and tectonic features on a celestial body.
Geomorphic map is a graphic representation of the distribution
of surface morphological types portrayed in the landforms on a planetary
body. Geomorphic maps do not attempt to infer the geologic history of
the rocks themselves, but rather the processes that have generated the
present surface features.
Geophysical map shows a variety of geophysical information in a
spatial representation (such as gravimetric, seismic, and magnetic anomaly
maps).
Globe is cartographic representation of the surface of a planetary
body on a three-dimensional shape (which can be spherical or non-spherical,
such as a tri-axial ellipsoid), preserving the geometric similarity of
both locations and outlines features. Globes of spherical planets and
irregular objects (e.g., the Martian moon Phobos, the asteroid Eros) have
been produced from imaging and remote sensing data obtained from a variety
of sources.
Hypsometric map shows the macro-relief features on a planetary surface
(for maps produced in Russia). The relief is represented by means of contours
or isolines (to show areas at the same relative elevation), and color-coded
contour intervals. In other countries, this term can also describe the
distribution of elevations on the extraterrestrial object.
Landing site map in planetary cartography is a graphic representation
of the region surrounding the site where a spacecraft came to rest on
a planetary surface (generally shown at large scale).
Map in planetary cartography is a generalized image of the surface
of an extraterrestrial solid body (excluding the Earth), that indicates
the location of objects projected mathematically according to the adopted
coordinate system used for the projection. Symbols can represent any subject,
phenomena or process chosen by the cartographer to be illustrated on the
map (a legend defining all symbols should be included to aid the map user).
Maps of extraterrestrial territories represent all solar system bodies,
with the exception of the Earth; they can be portrayed in a variety of
forms, such as electronic (e.g., digital), conventional (printed), multilingual,
orthophoto, drawing (e.g., shaded relief), outline, topographic (contoured),
and thematic.
Outline map in planetary cartography is a map representing relief
with the help of outlines and special symbols. These maps are used as
base-maps for thematic and schematic mapping, which allows the user to
link visually a represented attribute with a relief feature on the surface.
Physical properties map is a maps of various measured attributes
of the extraterrestrial surface, such as albedo (see albedo, in this section),
thermal anomalies (e.g., the distribution of hotspots on the Earth-facing
hemisphere of the Moon), and polarimetric measurements.
Synoptic map in planetary cartography is a graphic representation
of attributes (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) that describe the weather
above a planetary surface (e.g., a map of weather on Mars).
Tectonic map in planetary cartography is a graphic representation
of structural elements related to the tectonic history of the upper crust
of a planetary body. The different structural areas and their separate
elements (e.g., faults and folds) are shown by various symbols; when combined
with a geologic map, data regarding the age and type of rocks comprising
the structural elements are given, along with their development in time.
Thematic map in planetary cartography is a map showing the spatial
representation of physical properties for a planetary surface (e.g., hypsometric,
geophysical, geologic-morphologic, and geochemical maps).
Terrain map in planetary cartography is a graphic representation
of the distribution of boundaries between mapped regions on the planetary
body, showing the presence or absence of characteristic details of a surface
(e.g., impact craters, hills, faults, lava flows, aeolian cover, etc).
Such maps are usually produced by data obtained by remote sensing. See
also geologic/morphologic map, photogeologic map.
Glossary Contents
4.1 General descriptions related to planetary mapping
Extraterrestrial mapping
is the process of the creation of cartographic products of all objects
beyond the surface of the Earth. This includes mapping of planets, moons,
asteroids, and small or irregularly shaped objects (e.g., a comet nucleus).
Meteorology mapping is weather maps (e.g., those related to climate)
of solar system bodies involves the creation of thematic maps that describe
various climatic conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, cloud conditions
at a given time) on these celestial bodies.
Complex (integrated) mapping for solar system bodies, this involves
the creation of versatile cartographic products that represent the various
characteristics of these bodies, which can be used in comparative planetology.
Cartography for extraterrestrial territories, this includes the
development of special projections for the maps, with allowance for selecting
the best surface on which to represent these objects (e.g., triaxial ellipsoid,
oblate spheroid, etc.).
Glossary Contents
4.2. Descriptive terms for features shown on planetary maps
4.2.1. Latin=English translation of terms
Albedo Features = albedo
features.
Catena = chain. Cavus = hollow. Chaos =
canyon. Collis = hill.
Crater = crater. Chasma = canyon. Corona
= ring.
Dorsum = ridge.
Facula = light spot. Farrum = pancake like structure.
Flexus = bend, twist, winding. Fluctus = flow.
Fossa = furrow.
Labes = landslide. Labyrinthus = maze. Lacus
= lake. Linea = line. Large Ring Feature only
in English.
Macula = dark spot. Mare = sea. Mons =
mountain. Mensa = mesa.
Oceanus = ocean.
Palus = swamp, marsh. Patera = patera. Planitia
= plain. Planum = plateau.
Plume = Eruptive Center both in English. Promontorium = cape.
Regio = region. Rupes = rupes.
Scopulus = scarp. Sinus = bay. Sulcus =
groove.
Terra = terra. Tessera = tile. Tholus =
dome.
Unda = wave.
Vallis = valley. Vastitas = great plain.
Glossary Contents
4.2.2. Terms for features on solid
planetary surfaces. Terms unique are given in bold letter
Mercury
Albedo Features, Crater, Dorsum, Mons, Planitia, Rupes, Vallis.
Venus
Chasma, Collis, Corona, Crater, Dorsum, Farrum, Fluctus,
Fossa, Labyrinthus, Linea, Mons, Patera, Planitia, Planum,
Regio, Rupes, Terra, Tessera, Tholus - Unda, Vallis.
Mars
Albedo, Feature, Catena, Cavus, Chaos, Chasma, Collis, Dorsum,
Fossa, Labes, Labyrinthus, Mensa, Mons, Patera, Planitia, Planum, Rupes,
Scopulus, Sulcus, Terra, Tholus, Undae, Vallis.
Phobos - Crater, Dorsum.
Deimos - Crater.
Moon
Albedo Feature, Crater, Dorsum, Fossa, Lacus, Mare, Mons,
Oceanus, Palus, Planitia, Promontorium, Sinus,
Vallis.
Jupiter
Satellites.
Amalthea - Crater, Facula.
Callisto - Crater, Catena, Large Ring Feature.
Europa - Chaos, Crater, Large Ring Feature, Flexus.
Io - Catena, Eruptive Center, Fluctus, Mensa, Mons, Patera,
Planum, Tholus.
Ganymede - Catena, Crater, Facula, Fossa, Regio, Sulcus.
Thebe - Crater.
Saturn Satellites
Enimetius - Crater.
Janus - Crater.
Hyperion - Crater, Dorsum.
Mimas - Crater, Chasma.
Enceladus - Fossa, Planitia, Sulcus.
Tethus - Crater, Chasma.
Dione - Crater, Chasma, Linea.
Rhea - Crater, Chasma.
Iapetus - Crater, Regio, Terra.
Phoebe - Regio.
Uranus Satellites.
Puck -Crater.
Ariel - Crater, Chasma, Vallis.
Umbriel - Crater.
Titania - Crater, Chasma, Rupes.
Oberon - Crater, Chasma.
Miranda - Crater, Corona, Regio, Rupes, Sulcus.
Neptun Satellites.
Proteus - Crater.
Triton - Crater, Catena, Cavus, Dorsum Fossa, Macula, Patera,
Planitia, Planum, Plume, Regio, Sulcus.
Asteroids.
Eros - Crater, Dorsum, Regio.
Ida - Crater,Dorsum, Regio.
Gaspra - Crater, Regio.
Dactil - Crater.
Matilda -Crater.
Glossary Contents
5.
General Descriptions related to Geologic and Morphological Terms for features
on Planetary Surfaces
Latin singular (Latin plural) - description
5.1
Terms having been officially used in planetary nomenclature
A B C D E
F G H I J K L M N O
P Q R S T
U V W X Y Z
A
Albedo Feature (Albedo Features) is some area characterized by
reflective ability of the surface albedo feature.
A dark or light marking on the surface of an object that might not be
a geological or topographical feature.
C
Catena (catenae) - a crater chain, or a string of closely spaced
depressions.
Catena (Catenae) is a line-up or line of craters (chain of craters).
catena - A chain of craters.
Cavus (cavi) - an irregular, steep-sided depression that apparently
is not of impact origin.
Cavus (Cavi) is a steep slope depression with irregular form in
the plan. It is usually located by groups (in polar areas)
cavus - A hollows, irregular depression.
Chaos - a discreet region of disrupted or broken terrain.
Chaos (Chaos) is a characteristic region of a destruction relief
chaos - A distinctive area of broken terrain.
Chasma (chasmata) - a steep-walled trough or large canyon
Chasma (Chasmata) is a steep slope linear depression. Canyon (
canyons) in English chasma A canyon
Collis (colles) - a small hill, usually round in the plan form.
Collis (Colles ) is a small height form usually round in the plan
and formed accumulations. Hill (hills) in English
colles - A small hill or knob.
Corona (coronae) - large circular feature enclosed by a ring of
concentric ridges and furrows.
Corona (Coronae) is ring-type structure of diameter approximately
from 150 up to 600 kms formed by a system of concentric ridges and furrows
and having in the plan the form of a circle or an oval. It is supposed,
that their formation is connected with "bleed" dome like raisings
above hotspots. For the first time the rings of this kind are chosen and
circumscribed on Venus, where they are widely widespread. The rings of
other genesis are known on satellites of Saturn, Jupiter. A synonym is
an ovoid. Ring in English.
corona - The upper level of the solar atmosphere, characterized
by low densities and high temperatures (> 1.0E+06 K); it is not visible
from the Earth except during a total eclipse of the sun or by use of special
telescopes called coronagraphs. 2) An ovoid-shaped feature.
Crater (craters) - bowl-like to flat-floored depression, usually surrounded
by steep walls.
Crater is a bowl like depression on a surface of a planetary or small
of a Solar system body. Depending on a way of formation they can be impact,
explosive, volcanic etc
crater 1) A depression formed by the impact of a meteorite. 2)
A depression around the orifice of a volcano.
D
Dorsum (dorsa) - a topographic ridge or other elongated, raised
structure.
Dorsum (Dorsa) is a linear height with irregular form in the plan
. Ridge (ridges) in English.
Dorsum is a positive linear extended form of a relief (elevation)
on a surface of a planetary Solar system body . Dorsacan be of the various
sizes and various structure (steep slopes and flat slopes), extended or
short etc. Ridge (ridges in English).
dorsum - A ridge
F
Facula is a bright region.
Farrum
Flexus - a very low curvilinear ridge consisting from arcuate bands.
Flexus (flexus) is
flexus - A cuspate linear feature
Fluctus (flucti) - a complex association of digitate (flow-like)
features emanating from a common source location or feature.
Fluctus
fluctus - A flow terrain
Fossa (fossae) - a long, narrow, shallow depression or a narrow,
linear trench.
Fossa (Fossae) is a linear downturn on a surface of a small or
planetary Solar system body. Furrows can be resulted by tectonic or impact
deformations or in an outcome of deleting of a material of rocks mountain
under effect of exsogenic processes (for example, furrows of blowing out
in yardangs). Furrow (furrows) in English.
Fossa is a long, narrow, superficial depression. They are usually
located by groups. They can be rectilinear or curved but not twisting.
Furrow (furrows) in English.
fossa - A long, narrow, shallow depression.
L
Labes
labes - A landslide.
Large Ring Feature
Labyrinthus (labyrinthi) - a complex maze of intersected valleys
or canyons.
Labyrinthus ( Labyrinthi) is a complex of intersected valleys (canyons).
Maze ( mazes) in English.
labyrinthus - An intersecting valley complex.
Lacus (laci) - a low plain smaller than a mare, originally thought
to be a lake.
Lacus (laci) -is a low plain smaller than a mare, originally thought
to be a lake. Lake in English.
lacus - A lake.
Linea (lineae) - a linear feature; they can be dark or bright relative
to their surroundings, and either curved or straight
Linea (lineae) - dark or light linear feature, which can be curved
or straight.
Linea (Lineae) is a dark or light oblong relief feature, they can
be curve or direct. Line (lines) in English.
linea - An elongate marking.
M
Macula (maculae) - a dark, irregular spot.
Macula (Maculae) is a dark spot, they can have an irregular form.
Spot (spots) in English.
Mare (maria) is broad low plains surrounded by basin-forming mountains,
originally thought to be a sea. Sea in English.
Mare (Maria) - broad low plains surrounded by basin-forming mountains,
originally thought to be a sea.
Mare is a large low lands. Sea in English.
Mare - Latin word for "sea." Galileo thought the dark
featureless areas on the Moon were bodies of water, even though the Moon
is essentially devoid of liquid water. The term is still applied to the
basalt-filled impact basins common on the face of the Moon visible from
Earth.
Mensa (mensae) - a flat-topped, steep-sided elevated feature.
Mensa (Mensae) is a height with a table top and break or terrace
edges.
mensa - A mesa, flat-topped elevation.
Mons (montes) - a mountain.
Mons (Montes ) is a large height of relief (Mons) or chain of heights
(Montes). Mountain ( mountains) in English.
mons - A mountain
O
Oceanus - a very large low plain (Oceanus Procellarum), originally
thought to be an ocean.
Oceanus is a very large low plain, originally thought to be an
ocean. Ocean in English.
oceanus - An ocean.
Ovoid (look at corona).
ovoid - Shaped like an egg.
P
Palus is some part of low land. Marsh in English.
palus - A swamp.
Patera (paterae) - a shallow crater with scalloped, complex walls
or edges.
Patera (Paterae) is a crater of the irregular form or complex crater
with toothed edges.
Patera is crater of any genesis with irregular or toothed edges.
Patera is sometimes named a volcanic muzzle, enclosed with flows of the
irregular form.
patera - Shallow crater; scalloped, complex edge.
Planitia - a low plain, or a large level expanse of lowlands.
Planitia (Planitiae) is an equal low area. Flatness (flatnesses)
in English.
planitia - Broad plains that occupy lowlands on planetary surfaces.
Planum - a large elevated plateau or high plain.
Planum (Plana ) is an equal raised area. Plateau ( plateaus) in
English.
planum - A plateau or high plain.
Plume, see Eruptive Center
Promontorium - part of the lunar highlands extending into an adjacent
mare, originally thought to be a cape or promontory within a sea.
Promontorium is a part of the lunar highlands extending into an
adjacent mare, originally thought to be a cape or promontory within a
sea. A cape in English.
promontorium - A cape.
R
Regio (regiones) - a large region distinguished from nearby areas
by color or albedo.
Regio (Regiones) is a large region distinguished from nearby ones
on brightness or colour. Area ( areas) in English.
regio - Region.
Rupes (rupes) - one-sided terrace or break in the surface.
Rupes (Rupes) is a terrace or break relief feature.
rupes - The term applied to scarps on planetary surfaces; many
scarps are thought to be the surface expression of faults within the crust
of the planetary object.
S
Scopulus (scopuli) - a terrace or break in the surface, with serrated
or very irregular plan form.
Scopulus (Scopuli ) is a complex terrace or break relief feature
with toothed or very.
scopulus - A lobate or irregular scarp irregular in the plan form.
Sinus - a low plain only partially surrounded by mountains, originally
thought to be a bay on a larger sea.
Sinus is a low plain only partially surrounded by mountains, originally
thought to be a bay on a larger sea.
Sinus is a part of a very large low land. Bay in English.
Sinus - A bay.
Sulcus (sulci) - a complex region with subparallel furrows and
ridges.
Sulcus (Sulci ) is a complex region of subparallel furrows and
ridges.
sulcus- Subparallel furrows and ridges.
T
Terra (Terrae ) is a height with the crossed relief.
terra - An extensive land mass.
Terra (terrae) - elevated area with the complex relief (e.g., highlands).
Tessera (tesserae) - an elevated area of complex relief, crossed
by lineations in two or more directions; having the appearance of a parquet
tile pattern or drawing.
Tessera is type of district on Venus describing areas with development
of heavy deformations, widespread on the significant area (from 10 in
5grade up to 10 in 6grade km). The structural drawing of its surface is
formed by systems which are represented by intersected, less often sub-parallel
ridges and dividing by their valleys. The characteristic distance between
crests of adjacent ridges makes on the average 10-12 km. Tesserae represent,
as a rule, territories elevated rather lava flatness, often limited on
edges by shelf. They have not morphological analogs on the Earth.
tessera - A tile; polygonal ground.
Tholus (tholi) - a small domed hill.
Tholus (Tholi) is a separate small dome like mountain or hill.
Dome (domes) in English.
tholus- A small domical mountain or hill.
U
Unda (Undae) is hard (solid) wave in relief.
V
Vallis (valles) - a valley.
Vallis (Valles ) is twisting hollow, it has frequently inflow.
Valley (valleys) in English.
vallis- A sinuous valley.
Vastitas - an extensive flat plain (in the northern hemisphere
of Mars).
Vastitas (Vastitates) is a flatness very extensive on the area.
Great plain (great flatnesses) in English.
Vastitas - A widespread lowland.
Glossary Contents
5.2. Terms not yet having been used in planetary nomenclature
Arachnoid - a radial-circular
structure with a "spider-like" pattern, generally from 70 to
250 km in diameter. They usually have a central locus, enclosed by one
to three broad concentric shafts and narrow radial ridges. Arachnoids
on Venus are interpreted to have an endogenous origin. A variation on
the more common corona features on Venus.
Astrobleme - geological structure on the Earth generated by a hypervelocity
impact (e.g., see crater).
Basin - a very large impact structure with a system of concentric
walls. They generally form the topographic lows on the surfaces of many
solar system bodies.
Bajada - a broad extended alluvial slope, or a gently inclined
surface. Formed by extended periods of sheetwash erosion in an arid environment.
Bench - a terrace or one-sided break in a planetary surface.
Block - rock debris or breccia accumulation of rock fragments,
generally >1 m in size.
Boulder - rock debris or breccia accumulation of rock fragments,
generally >10 cm to 1 m in size. In the literature the term is often
used for non-rounded fragments, all of similar size.
Caldera - a circular depression with steep walls and relatively
level floor, reaching dimensions greater than many tens of kilometers.
Usually associated with the collapse of the roof above a volcano magma
chamber. The largest volcanic calderas (diameter more than 100 km) are
known on Venus (e.g., Mockoshi Mons) and on Mars (e.g., Olympus Mons,
etc.).
Central volcano - a volcano at which eruptions form an intermixed
accumulation of lava and ash debris around a central vent. Also known
as composite volcanoes.
Cliff - a rocky shelf or bench. Cliffs occur on steep to vertical
slopes, or even above overhangs. They usually occur in mountainous areas,
but also are by the shores of lakes or rivers. Such slopes, as a rule,
grow out of erosion or faulting processes.
Comparative planetology - the scientific investigation of solar
system bodies, their structure, history of development, and the processes
that have resulted in their current surface conditions.
Corona - a circular structure with a diameter of from 150 to 600
km, formed by a system of concentric ridges and furrows and having a plan
form of a circle or oval. Their formation is believed to be related to
plume upwelling above a hotspot. Originally identified on Venus, where
they are quite common, these structures may also exist on other planetary
surfaces.
Crater - a bowl-shaped depression on the surface of a planetary
body. Craters occur on all sizes of objects, from individual rocks to
planets. Craters are most often the result of a hypervolocity impact,
but they may also be the product of a volcanic explosion or a collapse.
Crater rim - circular elevated terrain surrounding a crater, with
internal slopes in fresh impact craters that are much steeper than the
external slopes.
Depression - any portion of the surface of a solar system body
that is lower in elevation than its surroundings, regardless of origin.
The term has a wide potential use, and it may be used instead of the more
specific terms such as basin, crater, furrow, etc.
Dune - a low hill or ridge, which may be asymmetric with a shallower
slope on the upwind side, comprised of granular wind-blown, sand-sized
material (or possibly of volcanic ash). Active dunes are capable of moving
along the prevailing direction of the wind, preserving its characteristic
form during transport.
Fault - a discontinuity in rock or sediment, along which noticeable
displacement has occurred. Depending on depth, these breaks are usually
subdivided between steep near-surface (crustal) discontinuities, and deep-seated
(sub-crustal) breaks. Upon expansion, the breaks are subdivided into local,
regional and trans-regional scales. Faults also can be subdivided based
on the duration of development, whether inherited from a previous zone
of weakness, newly formed, or reactivated.
Fissure volcano - a volcano formed along a crack or linear vent. The
eruption can occur all along the associated fissure, or only along separate
segments of the fissure. These eruptions usually are associated with extensive
flows of lava. This is a common form of eruption for fluid basaltic lavas
on the terrestrial planets.
Furrow - a linear depression in the surface of a solar system body.
Furrows can be the result of tectonic or impact deformation, or as a result
of exogenic processes (e.g., erosional furrows in yardangs).
Graben - a tectonic linear depression in the surface of a planetary
body, usually formed by paired faults with a lowered floor between the
faults. Fault length along a graben is always significantly greater than
the width of the structure.
Geomorphology - the science of describing the shape and origin
of landforms. It can involve quantitative and qualitative descriptions
and classifications, as well as various interpretations of the possible
origins of the landform.
Geologic time scale - the chronological sequence for events, and
their associated time scales, for the geological history of planetary
objects. Geologic time involves two types of time scales: chronometric
or geochronologic, based on measured intervals of time (periods) derived
from laboratory analysis of rock samples, and chronostratigraphic, which
represents chronological sequence of rock emplacement.
Interdune valley - a hollow between adjacent sand dunes or sand
ridges.
Lava flow - rock formed by solidification of molten lava which
has erupted from one or more vents in the surface. A lava flow is characterized
by a digitate or lobate planform that extends in the direction of flow.
The shape and thickness of a lava flow is affected by the type of eruptive
vent (e.g., point source or linear vent), volume and effusion rate of
the erupted lava, the material structure and chemistry of the lava, and
the topographic relief over which it flowed.
Lineament - any linear formation on the surface of a solar system
object. Sometimes lineaments represent any linear feature of undetermined
origin observed on images, as opposed to precise feature terms (e.g.,
ridges, valleys, etc).
Lunar highlands - relatively high albedo, elevated, heavily cratered
terrain on the Moon. The lunar highlands comprise most of the lunar far
side (the side never visible from Earth), and they represent >80 %
of the total surface area of the Moon.
Lunar Maria - relatively low albedo, low-lying, more lightly cratered
terrain on the Moon. The Maria consist of lavas that have flooded the
floors of the largest impact basins on the Moon. They are mainly found
on the Earth-facing side of the Moon, representing about 1/3 of the surface
visible from Earth, but Maria are relatively rare on the lunar far side
(the side never visible from Earth).
Meander - the sinuous path of a river on a shallow-sloped flood
plain, consisting of the loops and turns produced by the unconstrained
wandering of the river channel.
Mesa - an isolated, flat-topped elevated region surrounded by abrupt
erosive cliffs.
Microcrater - small impact crater, ranging from micrometers to
several centimeters in diameter. Microcraters are abundant on the rocks
and surface of any airless body.
Normal fault - a break in the crust of a rocky object resulting
from extensional forces so that the rocks above the fault plane have moved
down relative to the rocks below the fault plane.
Ovoid - see corona (and section 4.2.3).
Peneplain - a relatively flat erosion surface that approaches being
a perfect plain as a result of very long periods of erosion with little
tectonic deformation.
Ridge - a positive-relief linear feature on any solid surface.
Ridges can be of various sizes and origins.
Rift - a break in the surface of a planetary body of regional or
global extent. Rifts are considerably larger structures than graben. The
formation of rifts is characteristic of large planetary bodies displaying
considerable endogenic activity.
Rille - an extended crack, up to several hundred km in length,
generally from 2 to 5 km in width, and with depths up to 0,5 km. Rilles
are common features on the surface of the Moon, and are present on several
of the terrestrial planets. They can have irregular twisting planform,
or be rather straight or rectilinear.
Scarp - any topographic break with one side higher than the other
(equivalent to cliff).
Shield volcano - a volcanic construction of a central type formed
by repeated effusion of very fluid (usually basaltic) lava. The shield
is characterized by a shallow flank, the steepness of which can vary from
a high of 7° to 8°, to a low of >1°, but with typical values
of ~5°. There often are one or more caldera craters near the summit,
like broad saucer-shaped cavities with steep walls. One of the largest
shield volcanoes in the solar system is Olympus on Mars, with a diameter
greater than 500 km and total relief of 25 km.
Stratigraphy - the science of the description, correlation, and
classification of strata in sedimentary rocks, including the interpretation
of the depositional environments of those strata. In planetary mapping,
volcanic and metamorphic rocks are also included in a relative stratigraphic
interpretation of the sequence of emplacement of all mapped rocks.
Terrace - any narrow, nearly horizontal surface, usually with a
distinct cliff or termination on one or more sides. Terraces are sometimes
subdivided depending on their genesis and structure.
Wrinkle ridge - an extended system of gently sloping, often sinuous
ridges, with lengths exceeding tens to hundreds of km, widths of several
to tens of km, and elevations up to several hundred meters. Wrinkle ridges
are usually found on the volcanic plains, but their origin has been attributed
to both tectonic and volcanic processes.
Yardang - an elongated form produced by prolonged wind erosion.
On Earth, yardangs they are observed to have relief of up to hundreds
of meters and lengths of up to many kilometers. They are formed by wind
erosion on indurated rocks capable of holding steep erosional walls, and
they are oriented parallel to the direction of prevailing winds.
Glossary Contents
6. Terms related to thematic planetary cartography
Albedo is a measure
of surface reflectance, usually expressed as a number between 0 (no reflection)
and 1 (complete reflection of all incident energy). Albedo can vary depending
on the wavelength of incident radiation. Specific constraints on the way
the reflected energy is measured can lead to terms such as geometric and
spherical albedo, both of which are widely used in planetary photometry.
Geoid is the height of a natural surface can be expressed as being
above or below a mathematical surface representing a gravitational equipotential
surface, or geoid. The geoid of Earth can be expressed in the shape of
a sphere of revolution.
Height of the geoid is size of deviation of a surface of a geoid
from a spheroid of rotation.
Hot spot Center of persistent volcanism, thought to be the surface
expression of a rising hot plume in Earth's mantle
Geoid is such a surface of equal values of a gravity potential
on the Earth conterminous to a undisturbed surface of World ocean and
continued under the oceans.
Isostasy is The mechanism whereby areas of the crust rise or subside
until the mass of their topography is buoyantly supported or compensated
by the thickness of crust below, which "floats" on the denser
mantle. Isostatic gravity anomalies are derived from the assumption that
the gravitational effect of the mass associated with the surface topography
is approximately compensated by a deficit of either the density or the
subsurface thickness of the crustal material.
Isostatic anomaly is anomaly of gravity calculated proceeding from
the supposition, that gravitational effect of weights located above of
levels on a surface of a planetary body (on the Earth sea level), is approximately
compensated by a deficit on density of a material under these weights.
Leading hemisphere The hemisphere that faces forward, into the
direction of motion of a satellite that keeps the same face toward the
planet. (To item 1)
Mascon is positive gravitational anomaly on Earth's Moon, spatially
associated with the largest circular mare. Mascons are observable when
an orbiting spacecraft's speed in orbit around the Moon is altered by
the increased gravitational attraction produced by a buried concentration
of mass within a mare area. First described after monitoring the orbits
of the Lunar Orbiter spacecraft in the 1960s, the term "mascon"
is the concatenation of the two English words "mass concentration"
(e.g., an enhanced concentration of mass relative to the surrounding lunar
terrain).
Mascons are positive gravitational anomalies on the Moon spatially
connected to the largest seas of circular outlines. ?ascons are chosen
on observations over speed of motion on orbit of artificial lunar satellites
of a series "Lunar Orbiter". A term "mascon" is an
English abbreviation from mass concentration ( concentration of weights).
Polarimetry (polarimetric method of determination of an albedo)
is based on relation of an albedo to change of polarization of ambient
light with a phase angle (a).
Polarization A special property of light; light has three properties,
brightness, colour and polarization.
Regolith The layer of rocky debris and dust made by meteoritic
impact that forms the uppermost surface of planets, satellites and asteroids.
Volatile Compounds with low melting temperatures, such as hydrogen,
helium, water, ammonia, carbon dioxide and methane.
Glossary Contents
7.0. Selected references related to planetary glossary and nomenclature subjects
Atlas planet zemnoi gruppy i ih sputnikov. Bugaevsky L.M., Shingareva K.B., Krasnopevtseva B.V., et all. Moskwa, MIIGAiK, 1992.
Bakich, M.E. The Cambridge planetary handbook. Cambridge University Press, (Cambridge, UK and New York, USA), 336 p., 2000.
Batson R.M., Bridges P.M. and Inge J.L. Atlas of Mars. The 1:5,000,000 map series. NASA Special Publication 438, U. S. Gov. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 146 p., 1979.
Berlyant A.M., Gedymin A.B., et al. Spravochnik po kartographii (Reference book on cartogrpahy). Red. E.I. Halugin, Moskwa, Nedra, 428 p., 1988.
Bugaevsky L.M. Mathmatichskaya cartographiya (Mathematicc cartography). Moskwa, Zlatoutst, 399 p., 1998.
Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature. International Astronomical Union: wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/USGSF/Space/nomen/nomen.html.
Russell J.F., Snyder C.W. and Kieffer H.H. Appendix: Origin and use of Martian nomenclature in Mars. H.H. Kieffer, B.M. Jakosky, C.W. Snyder, and M.S. Matthews, Eds., pp. 1305-1314, Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1992.
Salischev K.A. Osnovy Kartovedeniya (Basis of map studying), Moskwa, Geodezizdat, 1962.
Sluta E.N., Ivanov AB, Ivanov M.A. Sravnitel'naya planetologiya. Osnovnye ponyaniya, terminy i opredeleniya, Moskwa, Nauka, 1995.
Sovetskii eciklopedicheskii slovar (Soviet encyclopediacal glossary). Red. A.M. Prokhorov, Moskwa, 1988.
Terms and Definitions in Solar system: www.solarviews.com/eng/terms.htm#leading.
Yaschenko V.R., Bol'shakov
V.D., Drazhnyuk A.A., et al. Geodesiya I kartographiya na sovremennom
etape razvitiya (Geodesy and cartography on the current state of development),
1919-1989, Moskwa, Nedra, 1989.
Glossary Contents
 |
|
|
|
|
