Title: The Thickness of Mare Basalts in Imbrium Basin Estimated from Penetrating Craters
Abstract: Introduction: Approximately 16% (6×10 km) of the Moon’s surface is covered by basaltic lava flows [1], and although the total areal extent of these flows is easily determined, their thicknesses are more difficult to constrain. The total volume of lunar lava provides basic constraints on the Moon’s thermal and petrogenetic evolution. Previously, thickess estimates have been obtained from gravity, seismic, and radar data [e.g., 2-4]; measurements of impact craters partially filled with basalt [5,6]; comparisons of lunar basins filled with mare deposits to unfilled basins [7]; and spectral analysis of impact craters that have completely penetrated the mare [8-10]. Here we report thicknesses estimates of basalt in Imbrium Basin derived from analyses of high resolution (~100 m/pix) Clementine UV-VIS multispectral images of large craters that penetrate (or failed to penetrate) the mare. Because the thickness of basalt in Imbrium Basin is one of the least well constrained of the western mare [6], it is a prime target for further study. Previous results from Apollo gamma ray data suggest that at least two craters in Imbrium, Timocharis and Lambert, have penetrated through the mare and excavated sub-mare, Th-rich material [11].
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
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