Abstract
Introduction The complex geomorphology of Triton reflects its geological
history [1]. The morphological heterogeneity on small scale has led
to discerning three main complexes: cantaloupe terrains, equatorial
plains, and south polar cap terrains. We analyse an area located in the
east equatorial zone of Triton called Monad Regio (centred at 37°N,
2°E), characterized by the presence of walled plains. We produced a new
geological map and a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) to recognize the main
terrains and features in the study area. We used Voyager 2 imagery named
c1139533 (600 m/px) [2], properly calibrated, filtered, and
georeferenced using the Integrated Software for Imagers and
Spectrometers (ISIS4) [3]. Results and conclusions We mapped the
different geological units and main features according to differences in
surface morphology (Fig.1). Terraced terrain covers most of the studied
area. It shows a chaotic pattern characterized by several terraces, some
of which lay in a parallel arrangement around some of the large
depressions. These basins have areas ranging from 1300 to 2050 km2, and
their degree of alteration is variable, with the features inferred to be
more recent showing an inner minor basin within the main one. The most
altered basins appear smoother, featureless, and shallower. Sizes and
excavation depths estimated using DEM data of the observed basin
features appear to be relatively homogeneous, which leads us to exclude
an impact related origin. We argue that the origin of these depressions
is linked to processes analogue to those described in the formation of
terrestrial maar craters and possible explosion craters discussed on
Titan [4]. Alternatively, diapirism may also explain the origin of
such features. Further analysis could help to understand the nature and
related processes that originated these basins. Acknowledgements G.M.,
C.C. and D.S. acknowledge support from the Italian Space Agency
(2020-13-HH.0). References [1] Basilevsky A.T. et al.,1992. Adv.
Space Res.,12(11), 123-132. [2] Smith, B. A., et al. (1989),
Science, 246 (4936), 1422-1449. [3] Houck J.C. and DeNicola L.A.
(2000) Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems IX, ASP
Conference Series,216. [4] Mitri G., et al. (2019), Nature
Geoscience, 12, 791,796.