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The geomorphic evolution of the lunar surface.The solution of the function relating craters of the continuous degradation sequence with degree of erosion was defined as the geomorphic index of the area. Studies of the geomorphic index of stratigraphic surfaces show that areas covered by considerable ballistic sediments have a geomorphic index which is not a monotonic function of time. On the other hand, areas covered almost exclusively by mare flooding show an index which is a monotonic function of the age of the flooding. As each mare surface shows a considerable range in indices, it is concluded that maria are covered by surfaces formed through a considerable length of time. By using Apollo 11 and 12 radiometric ages it is suggested that the time of mare flooding lasted on the order of one billion years. The geomorphic index of highland surfaces shows a remarkable degree of order - i.e., the farther an area is inland from the mare shores, the higher will be the index. No explanation is given for this phenomenon, but it is suggested that lunar erosion is not just a localized phenomenon centered on the locus of an impact, but has lateral trends of regional dimensions.
Document ID
19730028280
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ronca, L. B.
(Lunar Science Institute Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1972
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on The moon
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Start Date: March 22, 1971
End Date: March 26, 1971
Accession Number
73A13082
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSR-09-051-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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