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Auki Crater


Auki Crater is an impact crater in the Mare Tyrrhenum quadrangle of Mars, located at 15.76 °S latitude and 263.13 °W longitude. It is 40.0  km in diameter and was named after a [[ Town in the Solomon Islands]], and the name was approved in 2015 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN).

Strong evidence for hydrothermalism was reported by a team of researchers studying Auki Crater. This crater contains ridges that may have been produced after fractures formed with an impact. Using instruments on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter they found the minerals smectite, silica, zeolite, serpentine, carbonate, and chorite that are common in impact-induced hydrothermal systems on Earth. Other evidence of post-impact hydrothermal systems on Mars from other scientists who studied other Martian craters.

Topographical map showing location of Auki Crater and other nearby features. Color shows elevation.

Wide view of Auki Crater, as seen by CTX

Close view of central portion of Auki Crater, as seen by HiRISE Arrow indicates ridges. Sand dunes are present near the top of the image.

Close view of ridges from previous HiRISE image Arrow indicates an "X" shaped ridge.

Close view of central section of Auki Crater showing ridges with arrow Image is an enlargement of a previous HiRISE image.


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