Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003jgre..108.5050h&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research Planets, Volume 108, Issue E6, pp. 4-1, CiteID 5050, DOI 10.1029/2002JE001890
Physics
28
Planetology: Solar System Objects: Moon (1221), Planetary Sciences: Remote Sensing, Planetary Sciences: Composition, Planetary Sciences: Impact Phenomena (Includes Cratering), Planetary Sciences: Surface Materials And Properties
Scientific paper
We have utilized telescopic near-infrared spectra and multispectral images of the Moon provided by the Galileo and Clementine missions to determine the distribution and modes of occurrence of pure anorthosite. Anorthosites have now been identified in all portions of the nearside, including the site of the putative Procellarum basin. Anorthosite is associated with the rings of Orientale, Grimaldi, Humorum, Nectaris, Nubium, Mutus-Vlaq, and Balmer basins. Major portions of the inner rings of Grimaldi, Humorum, Crisium, Orientale, and Nectaris are composed of pure anorthosite. The large spatial extent of these anorthosites appears to rule out an origin in the upper portions of discrete differentiated Mg-suite plutons. In every instance, the anorthosites were exposed from beneath a shallower near-surface layer of more pyroxene-rich material. More mafic material also occurs beneath the pure anorthosite unit. Large expanses of the northern farside exhibit very low FeO values. This region contains abundant anorthosite and stands in stark contrast to the mafic composition exhibited by the interior of the South Pole-Aitken basin (SPA). The distribution of compositional units on large portions of the lunar farside as well as the southern portion of the lunar nearside appears to be largely attributable to the SPA impact event. The distribution and modes of occurrence of anorthosites clearly indicate that a thick, global layer of anorthosite is present at various depths beneath most portions of the lunar surface. This anorthosite layer dominated the upper portion of the primordial crust and was produced by plagioclase flotation in the global magma ocean.
Blewett Dave T.
Bussey Ben J. D.
Hawke Bernard Ray
Jeffrey Taylor G.
Lucey Paul G.
No associations
LandOfFree
Distribution and modes of occurrence of lunar anorthosite 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 Distribution and modes of occurrence of lunar anorthosite, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Distribution and modes of occurrence of lunar anorthosite will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1867388