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The flight of impact craters based on paleo-positions and its unrestrained latitudinal distribution
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  • James S,
  • Saranya R,
  • Aneeshkumar V,
  • Indu GK,
  • Devika P,
  • Sajinkumar KS
James S
University of Kerala
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Saranya R
University of Kerala
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Aneeshkumar V
University of Kerala
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Indu GK
University of Kerala
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Devika P
University of Kerala
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Sajinkumar KS
University of Kerala

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Abstract

Earth’s impact craters were analyzed to know the paleo-positions, distance and displacement they have undergone due to plate tectonics. Further, we have verified whether there is any selective distribution across the latitudinal segments. This was achieved through GPlates, a tectonic reconstruction model. The results are intriguing with several craters travelled across the globe. The oldest crater studied was Beaverhead, which travelled from southern to northern hemisphere covering ~39,289 km in 900Ma but with shorter displacement of ~8467km. On the other hand craters like Jänisjärvi and Suvasvesi South have travelled longer distances (27,781 and 29,050km, respectively) and have the distinction of being the most displaced craters (17,400 and 16,988km, respectively). Similarly the paleo-position and the distance as well as displacement for all the craters were recreated. The latitudinal dependency was also studied. Being a planet with varying land area during different geological ages, calculating area is an arduous task. The area of the equal latitudinal segments, viz. 0-30{degree sign}, 30-60{degree sign} and 60-90{degree sign}, were calculated for the respective number of times of impact crater events and compared with the total land area. Results showed that the first two segments have equal crater frequency whereas the polar segment has lesser frequency and we attribute to plates like Antarctica that remained in polar region throughout the Earth history are less explored owing to harsh climatic conditions. These results are compared to that of the Moon and Mars. This reveals that there is a non-selective distribution of impact craters across latitudinal segments.