Impact-Related Hydrothermal Conditions in Complex Craters on Mars: Insights from Numerical Impact Simulations

Abstract

Impact craters can be used to track underground water activity on Mars because their formation can expose subsurface material pre-dating the impact and create an environment for water/volatiles to leave a mineralogical signature of its presence (impact-induced) [e.g., 1]. We simulated the formation of complex craters on Mars with the aim of determining their suitability to host a hydrothermal system induced by the crater formation. This work uses the iSALE-2D shock physics code [2-4] to simulate impact-induced heating and bedrock displacement in complex impact craters on Mars. In conjunction with an updated global groundwater model for Mars, we determine how, and if, impact-induced hydrothermal alteration can be distinguished from pre-impact alteration. Special focus is given to the Toro crater, in which hydrothermal activity has been identified [5].