Analysis on the source position of Zhinyu crater ejecta

Abstract

Impact craters are prevalent features on the Moon, and a significant volume of materials from the impact site is delivered to distant during their formation. The impact ejecta is closely related with many other surface processes, and some empirical equations inherent have been proposed in the studies. For example, a power-law relationship indicating a decrease in ejecta thickness with distance has been derived from dimensionless analysis, and it has been verified through laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and remote sensing observations. A power-law relationship between launch speed and position of ejected materials is also suggested. However, no simple power-law exists for the initial and maximum excavation depths and the final position of ejecta. In this study, we used high-resolution numerical simulations of Zhinyu crater to explore the relationship between excavation depth and ejecta distance. A model for maximum excavation depth, based on the Maxwell Z-model, was further presented and found consistent with numerical simulation results.