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Fossa (planetary nomenclature)
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In planetary nomenclature, a fossa is a long, narrow depression (trough) on the surface of an extraterrestrial body, such as a planet or moon. The term, which means "ditch" or "trench" in Latin, is not a geological term as such but a descriptor term used by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for topographic features whose geology or geomorphology is uncertain due to lack of data or knowledge of the exact processes that formed them. Fossae are believed to be the result of a number of geological processes, such as faulting or subsidence. Many fossae on Mars are probably graben.
A ringed pit in the Tractus Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle. Scale bar is 1000 m.
A ringed pit in the Tractus Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle. Scale bar is 1000 m.
The Ceraunius Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle.
The Ceraunius Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle.
The Olympica Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Click on image to see rock layers in wall. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle.
The Olympica Fossae, as seen by HiRISE. Click on image to see rock layers in wall. Image is located in Tharsis quadrangle.
Graben near Alba Patera. Graben and catenae, collapse features, both caused by faults. When the crust is stretched, faults form and material falls int
Graben near Alba Patera. Graben and catenae, collapse features, both caused by faults. When the crust is stretched, faults form and material falls into voids created by the stretching. Uranius Tholus (upper) and Ceraunius Tholus (largest) volcanoes are visible in wide context view, below and to the right of Alba Patera. Image is located in Arcadia quadrangle. Image taken with THEMIS
Planetary nomenclature
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Planetary nomenclature, like terrestrial nomenclature, is a system of uniquely identifying features on the surface of a planet or natural satellite so that the features can be easily located, described, and discussed. Since the invention of the telescope, astronomers have given names to the surface features they have discerned, especially on the Moon and Mars. To found an authority on planetary nomenclature, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) was organized in 1919 to designate and standardize names for features on Solar System bodies.
The heart-shaped Tombaugh Regio, on Pluto, is named after the planet's discoverer Clyde Tombaugh.
The heart-shaped Tombaugh Regio, on Pluto, is named after the planet's discoverer Clyde Tombaugh.
Examples of crater nomenclature on Phoebe
Examples of crater nomenclature on Phoebe