Mathematics – Probability
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002mbns.conf...20h&link_type=abstract
The Moon Beyond 2002: Next Steps in Lunar Science and Exploration, p. 20
Mathematics
Probability
Lunar Magnetic Fields, Lunar Geology, Lunar Maria, Antipodes, Lunar Prospector, Data Processing, Monte Carlo Method, Lunar Craters
Scientific paper
The fundamental questions in lunar magnetism research remain much the same as they have since the Apollo days. What is the origin of the strong fields antipodal to young large impact basins? How were non-antipodal fields created? Was there ever an active lunar dynamo? How can paleointensity evidence from returned samples be reconciled with orbital magnetometer and electron reflectometer measurements? With the new data from Lunar Prospector (LP), we find ourselves in a better position to address these questions. However, many of the answers remain unclear. Data from the Apollo subsatellites showed that the largest regions of strong fields surveyed (Apollo data covers a band of about +/- 30 degrees about the equator) lay antipodal to the Orientale, Imbrium, Serenitatis, and Crisium basins. The completely global LP data set has confirmed this association, showing that the largest strongly magnetized regions on the Moon are centered antipodal to these four young large basins and roughly fill the antipodes. Furthermore, there is a slight magnetic enhancement antipodal to Nectaris, a basin just older than the other four. This fits with an overall decline in average antipodal field with increasing age. Monte Carlo simulations show that the probability of achieving such high average antipodal fields (10-40 nT) for the youngest large impact basins by chance is on the order of 10 -5. It is unclear how the antipodal magnetic enhancements were produced, though the theory which states that the antipodal fields were generated by shock remanent magnetization (SRM) associated with transient antipodal amplification of ambient magnetic fields and antipodal focussing of seismic energy and/or solid ejecta, is currently the best option.
Halekas Jasper S.
Hood Lon L.
Lin Robert P.
Mitchell David Leroy
No associations
LandOfFree
Constraints on the Origin of Lunar Crustal Magnetism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Constraints on the Origin of Lunar Crustal Magnetism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Constraints on the Origin of Lunar Crustal Magnetism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1835213