RELIEF OF MERCURY AND THE MOON: FROM MORPHOMETRY TO MORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING

Abstract. The MESSENGER mission (2011–2015) gives us an opportunity to gain new knowledge about Mercury which is still the least explored planet of the terrestrial group. The quality of the new data makes it possible to carry out comparative planetological analysis with the Moon – our nearest neighbour and Mercury's most resembling celestial body in Solar System but placed in different conditions. Our work focuses on calculation of morphometric parameters of relief characteristics for Mercury and the Moon, based on the newest DEMs, and creation of morphological maps, which help us to identify common patterns in planetary surface and reveal hidden details like cryptomaria.