A terrain model transect across the Mare Orientale region from Clementine data

Abstract

We derived a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) using stereo images obtained by the Clementine UVVIS camera along a narrow (60 km x 900 km) strip crosscutting the northern Mare Orientale basin (longitude 88 to 90 deg West; latitude -20 to +10 deg North). Photogrammetric block adjustment and automatic digital image matching were applied to improve the nominal camera pointing data and to determine disparity data (stereo effects) in the images. The resulting DTM has a grid spacing of 250 m and a height resolution of 50 m. Good agreement was found between our topographic data and that from Clementine laser altimeter tracks in the region. The terrain model extends from the Cordillera and outer Rook rings towards the center of Orientale dropping in elevation from +4000 to -3000 m. The Lacus Veris depression and several impact craters, such as Kopff, Kopff D and E are clearly visible. Local slopes in the area appear to be much steeper than was thought previously. The Orientale terrain datawill allow us to study the structure of this prototype multiringed impact basin in unprecedented detail and may be critical also for understanding other large impact basins of the Moon.