Density:
(examine uncompressed density -- that is, the density of an object after the compressional effects of gravity are taken out)
 
 

Clues to the interior:

• Mercury is very dense - what does this tell us about the interior?
• Mercury has a magnetic field (2nd largest of terrestrial planets) - what does that tell us about the interior? Why is this confusing?

Possible Evolutionary History

• Impacts and accretion of Mercury (major collision removes significant amount of low density rock?)
• Differentiation: Iron rich material settles into the core: heat production and expansion
• Late impacts (eg Caloris Basin, etc)
• Cooling, shrinking, cracking of crust (scarps!)

Discussion: How is this like the Moon? How is it different?