The role of volatiles and atmospheres on Martian impact craters

Many questions remain about what Martian impact craters reveal about the planet's environment at the time of the impact and about the subsequent processes that have modified these craters. In particular, questions remain about the role of near‐surface or “target” volatiles (volatiles within the upper few kilometers of the surface) and the planets variable carbon dioxide (CO2) atmosphere on ejecta formation and modification. A recent meeting, “Workshop on the Role of Volatiles and Atmospheres on Martian Impact Craters,” helped to better define these questions and review current understandings. The workshop was sponsored by the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Mars Crater Consortium, NASA, Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group.