Evolution of Mercury
Steve Hauck (Case)
Mercury's geologic and internal evolution presents an interesting question:
what are the conditions that both allow for apparently limited radial
contraction (as recorded in the lobate scarps observed by Mariner 10) over
the last 4 billion years and yet permit the core to cool at a sufficiently
rapid rate to drive the present-day internal magnetic field? By simulating
the coupled thermal, magmatic, and tectonic evolution of the planet we can
explore the range of conditions (e.g, composition, rheology) consistent with
these two constraints. Future measurements of Mercury via Earth-based radar
and spacecraft such as the forthcoming MESSENGER mission are crucial for
constraining further the evolution of the innermost planet.
