Geology of the Discovery quadrangle (H11), Mercury

Mercury’s Discovery quadrangle (H11) is in the planet’s southern hemisphere (0–90°W, 22.5– 65°S), one of fifteen mapping quadrangles covering Mercury. Here we present a 1:3,000,000 (1:3M) scale geological map of H11, constructed using data collected by NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft mission. On top of a ∼166 m/pixel monochrome basemap, we digitized geological units and their contacts, and additional linear and surface features. We produced two versions of the map, using alternative three and five-class schemes to classify impact crater materials. In addition to crater materials, mapped geological units include intercrater, smooth and intermediate plains, which are common terrains across Mercury. We also mapped units particular to H11, specifically in its notable chaotic terrain. This map is one of a series of quadrangle maps aiming to globally cover Mercury at 1:3M scale, supporting investigations of the planet by the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo space mission.