http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7489557.stm>> Data from a flyby of Mercury in January 2008 show the planet has contracted by more than one mile (1.5km) in diameter over its history.
Scientists believe the shrinkage is due to the planet's core slowly cooling.
"And the data from the flyby indicate that the total contraction is at least one-third greater than we previously thought."
Just days after the pass, scientists revealed that they had found evidence of volcanic activity on the planet, previously hinted at by Mariner 10.
Further analysis of areas such as the Caloris basin, one of the Solar System's largest and youngest impact basins, found volcanic vents and evidence of "pyroclastic" debris blown from the volcano as it erupted.
Other areas contained circular structures with wrinkled edges, similar to structures seen on the Moon and Mars.
Scientists believe these are impact craters that have been filled with massive quantities of lava, possibly 2.7km (1.3miles) deep.
"That's a lot of lava," said Dr James Head of Brown University. "It shows the planet was really active in its early history."
Researchers believe the peak of activity could have been three to four billion years ago. >>>
Smaller than Mars and still has a molten core......
and supposedly as old as Earth.... LOL
oh I forgot, it is because it is closer to the Sun
silly me
LOL
QUOTE
"The dominant tectonic landforms on Mercury, including areas imaged for the first time by Messenger, are features called lobate scarps, huge cliffs that mark the tops of crustal faults that formed during the contraction of the surrounding area," explained Dr Solomon.
Only planet in the Solar System with these "contraction" ridges that are over a kilometer high
I posted a partial analysis of Mercury's parameters in some thread here
and it stated that the value for gravity on Mercury almost doubles as Mercury follows its eccentric orbit of the Sun
These "gravity ridges" were formed when the crust was pliable.... not too long ago... soon after it was ejected from the Sun
natural contraction is total BS
This world's scientist will say anything that comes into their heads... what a bunch of losers this day and age produces..... LOL