Wrinkle ridge assemblages on the terrestrial planets

Abstract

The morphological and dimensional similarities of the structures within the wrinkle ridge assemblages observed on terrestrial planets are investigated, including structures that occur in mare basalts on the moon and in smooth plains on Mars and Mercury. These structures can be classified as either arches or ridges on the basis of morphology, and ridges can be subdivided onto first-, second-, and third-order ridges on the basis of dimensions. Using ridge structures on the Columbia Plateau (U.S.) as analogs, a basis for a structural interpretation of the wrinkle ridge assemblages on the terrestrial planets is established. It is shown that the anticlinal ridges of the Columbia Plateau are appropriate analogs to the first-order ridges, supporting tectonic interpretations for the ridges.