Physics – Geophysics
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.u21c..04b&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #U21C-04
Physics
Geophysics
[0933] Exploration Geophysics / Remote Sensing, [5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties, [5480] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Volcanism, [6250] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Moon
Scientific paper
The Gruithuisen Domes have long been of interest as examples of non-mare volcanism [1]. Their form suggests extrusion of silica-rich magmas, possibly dating to 3.7-3.85 Ga (around the same time as the Iridum event), and were subsequently embayed by mare [2,3]. Non-mare volcanism is indicated by spectral features known as “red spots” which have (a) high albedo, (b) strong absorption in the ultraviolet, and (c) a wide range of morphologies [4,5,6]. The composition of red spot domes is still unknown, but dacitic or rhyolitic KREEP-rich compositions [5] and mature, low iron and low titanium agglutinate-rich soils [7] have been suggested. The existence of non-mare volcanism has major implications for the thermal history and crustal evolution of the Moon. A new digital elevation model (DEM), derived from stereo image pairs acquired with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC), allows detailed investigation of the morphology and thus origin of Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (36.6° N, 40.5° W). The 10 meter per pixel DEM shows relief of ~1500 meters from the summit plateau of Gruithuisen Gamma to the nearby mare surface. This measurement is close to previous estimates of over 1200 meters from Apollo era images [4]. Previous estimates also suggested that the overall slopes ranged from 15-30° [7]. Radial profiles (n=25) across the eastern two-thirds of the Gruithuisen Gamma DEM show that the overall slope is 17-18° along the north- and northeastern-facing slopes, 14° along the eastern-most edge, 12° on the side facing the contact of the dome material and highlands material, and 11° on the directly southern-facing slope. The north-south diameter of the dome is ~24 km and the east-west diameter is ~18 km. The textures on each slope are remarkably similar and distinct from the highlands and crater slopes, with irregular furrows oriented down-slope. The same furrowed texture is not seen on mare domes, which are generally much smoother, flatter, and smaller than red spot domes [8]. Two ~2 km diameter craters on Gamma have likely exposed fresh dome material from below the surface texture, as evidenced by boulders visible in the ejecta. Overall, Gruithuisen Gamma has asymmetric slope morphology, but uniform texture. Topographic analysis and models of rheological properties with data from new LROC DEMs may aid in constraining the composition and origin of Gruithuisen Gamma. [1] Scott and Eggleton (1973) I-805, USGS. [2] Wagner, R.J., et al. (2002) LPSC #1619 [3] Wagner, R.J., et al. (2002) JGR. 104. [4] Chevrel, S.D., Pinet, P.C., and Head J.W. (1999) JGR. 104, 16515-16529 [5] Malin, M. (1974) Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 21, 331 [6] Whitaker, E.A. (1972) Moon, 4, 348. [7] Head, J.W. and McCord, T.B. (1978) Science. 199, 1433-1436 [8] Head, J.W. and Gifford, A. (1980) Moon and Planets.
Braden Sarah
Robinson Mark S.
Tran Thao N.
No associations
LandOfFree
LROC NAC Digital Elevation Model of Gruithuisen Gamma 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 LROC NAC Digital Elevation Model of Gruithuisen Gamma, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and LROC NAC Digital Elevation Model of Gruithuisen Gamma will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1775075