Lunar Crater Morphology Explorer

Choose a crater class to see how crater shape changes with scale. The progression from simple bowls to complex craters and giant basins records the competition between excavation, rock strength, gravity and structural collapse.

Why crater diameter changes morphology

Small impacts excavate a cavity that remains comparatively simple. As crater size increases, gravity drives wall collapse and central uplift. The exact transition diameter depends on planetary gravity and material properties, so the Moon's thresholds differ from Earth's.

Use morphology as evidence

Terraces, peaks, ejecta and superposed craters help scientists reconstruct impact processes and relative age. A young crater can retain crisp topography and bright rays; an older crater may have degraded walls and many later impacts.