crateriform

Crateriform is an adjective used in geology, planetary science, and related fields to describe objects or landforms that resemble a crater in shape. The term combines crater with the suffix -iform, meaning in the form of. In common usage, crateriform features have a circular to oval plan form with a central depression surrounded by a raised rim; rims may be simple or terraced, and floors can be smooth or irregular.

Morphology and variation are broad. Crateriform features can range from shallow, bowl-shaped depressions to well-defined hollows with elevated rims. The depth is not fixed and often varies with size and formation history. Some crateriform structures display rebound-related central peaks or layered terrace steps, particularly in larger examples. The surrounding terrain can be breached by ejecta blankets, slide scars, or rim collapse, which further modify the appearance.

Formation processes and contexts. Crateriform shapes arise from diverse mechanisms. Impact craters form when a meteoroid strikes a surface, creating a circular cavity with a raised rim. Volcanic craters can develop from explosive eruptions, vent formation, or caldera collapse, yielding circular depressions with rims. Erosional and depositional processes may also sculpt crateriform topography over time. In planetary geology, crateriform morphologies are common on rocky bodies and provide clues about subsurface structure, impact history, and volcanic activity.

Usage and interpretation. The term emphasizes form rather than process, so crateriform does not specify origin by itself. It is commonly used to describe observed shapes in field notes, maps, or imagery where the circular, bowl-like feature is the primary characteristic.