Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Origin And Evolution Of Impact Crater Lakes: A Case Study Of The Ries Impact Structure, Germany, Matthew J. O. Svensson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Impact events are known to generate hydrothermal systems, which can subsequently vent into an overlying crater lake and potentially create ideal conditions for some microbial life-forms. Thus, early post-impact sedimentary deposits would be excellent targets for Mars sample return, and as such, the robust characterization of such deposits on Earth is critical. In this thesis, we establish an improved understanding of how the Ries crater lake formed, and how an active impact-generated hydrothermal system influenced its early evolution. The ~14.8 Ma Ries impact structure hosts the majority of its paleolake deposits within the structure's central basin with some deposits situated …