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Sedimentology of clastic rocks returned from the moon by Apollo 15.A petrographic study of eleven samples of clastic rock returned from the moon by Apollo 15 suggests that two lithologies are present. The distinction between the two lithologies is based on the glass content of the rock matrices and the morphology of the detrital particles. Group I rocks have abundant, glass-rich, porous matrices and glass particles with morphologies comparable to those of glass particles in the lunar soil. The group I rocks were probably formed by welding or sintering of surficial soil deposits by impact-generated base surges of limited extent. Group II rocks have an essentially mineralic matrix and have an abundance of rounded mineral grains. Sample 15455 is the only Apollo 15 sample assigned to this group. In its general textural features, sample 15455 is comparable with the group II rocks from the Fra Mauro Formation at the Apollo 14 site. Textural features such as shock modification and rounding of mineral grains suggest that this sample is the product of a large-scale impact-generated base surge which possibly resulted from the Imbrian event.
Document ID
19730026214
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lindsay, J. F.
(Lunar Science Institute Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Geological Society of America Bulletin
Volume: 83
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
73A11016
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSR-09-051-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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