Characteristics of Lunar Lava Ponds as Indicators of Magma Transport Mechanisms and Local-Scale Geology of Ganymede Bright Terrain as Shown by Galileo Very High Resolution Images

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Scientific paper

The characteristics of 305 small lunar mare deposits (ponds) considered best estimates for individual eruptive phases were analyzed in a global survey. Typical lunar eruptive episodes are relatively smooth and lack features such as large domes and calderas normally associated with shallow magma reservoirs. This suggests deep reservoirs may be prevalent. Mean deposit volume is 370 km3, indicating high volumes per eruption by terrestrial standards. Ponds often are associated with relatively thin crust, suggesting a link between crustal thickness and magma transport. Based upon this estimate of an average lunar flow, potentially ~27,000 separate flows comprise the majority of the contiguous maria, while individual maria may each represent 100s to 1000s of flows. The size of an ideal spherical reservoir associated with an average flow of 370 km3 is estimated to be ~100 km in diameter. These observations and estimates are consistent with a model in which plumes rising diapirically from depth stall at the base of the crust and overpressurize, driving dikes to the surface. Comparison of source region sizes predicted by the model to those using the independently-derived size estimates stated above show that reservoirs of 75-150 km yield overpressure values producing observed volumes. These results are also consistent with the above model. Using very-high resolution images of Xibalba Sulci bright terrain, Ganymede, we have classified three major geological units-craters, massifs and plains-and analyzed their various degradation states in terms of local-scale geological and regolith processes. The lack of many small craters, the distribution of rubble blocks, mantling of hills bases, and the texture of smooth plains all suggest the presence of a fragmental layer, (regolith). Candidates for regolith formation processes include tectonic fragmentation of massifs, downslope movement and impact generation. Evidence for tectonism is observed in N-S trending massifs and lineaments within craters. Broad, low hills and associated smooth plains may be interpreted to be the result of downslope movement. Finally, the existence of low-lying rubble fields and lack of small craters are observations consistent with emplacement of ejecta and subsequent exhumation through sublimation of finer material in low-lying regions.

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