Depth-diameter ratios of lunar craters from chandrayaan-1 TMC images and DEM and its significance

The most common features observed on the lunar surface are its craters. They differ from each other in terms of age, composition and origin. Craters are the crustal depressions or areas of negative relief. Present article deals with a study of depth-diameter relationship of craters of lunar surface, which has been carried out using the Chandrayaan-1 TMC data. Depth to diameter ratio is a key parameter, which helps in understanding the process of evolution of age of craters. TMC sensor onboard Chandrayaan-1 satellite is among 10 sensors launched in October 2008. Three strips of TMC data were used to study different types of craters. Digital Elevation Model prepared using the TMC stereo data were used for extracting elevation of lunar surface and bottom. Except the minor craters of very small size three groups of craters were observed i.e. Craters with open floors, Craters with rounded floors and Craters with conical or funnel shape. The depth and diameter of approximately 80 such craters were calculated to determine the relationship between them. Depth-diameter ratios clearly indicated three distinct categories. These values suggest similar age and process of evolution for the events which have caused these craters to form.