craters

Generates a cratered spherical surface such as a moon or asteroid.

craters() produces a cratered spherical surface according to optional user inputs that control

• sphere size and location
• number and distribution of craters
• crater radii and depths

By default, crater radii are selected randomly from a bounded gamma distribution. Crater depths are a function of crater radii so larger craters create larger impacts. Crater profiles are defined by a logistic function.

craters outputs the 3D coordinates to the surface object, a table of crater information, and handles to graphics objects.

See the example file for a survey of capabilities of the craters function.

Animation of craters object rotation