Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Apr 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003eaeja....12657k&link_type=abstract
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Abstracts from the meeting held in Nice, France, 6 - 11 April 2003, abstract #12657
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
The identification of volcanism on the surfaces of the terrestrial planets is key to understanding the geological evolution of these bodies. Analysis of samples from the Earth's Moon - returned by the Apollo astronauts - offered important insights into the formation of the Earth-Moon system. Before that, volcanism on the Moon was not fully ackowledged, and even after the Apollo mission there still is a debate about onset, rate, duration, composition, and the end of the volcanic activity on the Moon: For instance, the question about nature and origin of the smooth, light highland plains remains unsolved. Arguments for both an origin by basin-ejecta deposition and volcanic eruptions are discussed. Mercury, a planet very similar in many respects to the Earth's Moon, rather shows plains of morphology similar to the Moon's highland plains than to the extensive lunar maria; and some surface features may well be interpreted as of volcanic origin, like lobes, or intercrater plains. Though no ground truth exists for Mercury, and existing data sets are not sufficient, volcanism on Mercury seemed to be possible, but is all from certain. Modelling allows for all possibilities between no volcanism at all and widespread, voluminous eruptions. A first approach here would be to compare identified similar geological units of volcanic origin on the Moon and Mercury, examine the morphology, assess the respective stratigraphic position, and check whether conclusions drawn for the sampled and better understood Moon can be applied to Mercury. In any case, no final conclusions can be drawn on the base of existing data; modern experiments on future missions are needed to better understand the role of volcanism on both the Moon and Mercury.
No associations
LandOfFree
Smooth Plains on the Moon and Mercury: the Role of Volcanism 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 Smooth Plains on the Moon and Mercury: the Role of Volcanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Smooth Plains on the Moon and Mercury: the Role of Volcanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-845578