Mercury’s surface

Definition

Mercury's surface is heavily cratered and resembles that of Earth's Moon. It has vast plains, high cliffs, and features evidence of volcanic activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The surface of Mercury is dominated by impact craters, the largest being the Caloris Basin.
2. Mercury has large cliffs, or scarps, formed by the planet cooling and contracting over time.
3. Unlike Earth, Mercury lacks a significant atmosphere to erode or weather its surface features.
4. The planet shows evidence of past volcanic activity through smooth plains created by lava flows.
5. Temperatures on Mercury’s surface can vary drastically from extremely hot to extremely cold.

Related terms

Caloris Basin:

A large impact crater on Mercury's surface about 1,550 kilometers in diameter.

Scarps: Cliffs on Mercury formed by tectonic activity as the planet cooled and contracted.

Volcanic Plains: Smooth areas on Mercury's surface formed by ancient lava flows.