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Problems in the interpretation of lunar mare stratigraphy and relative ages indicated by ejecta from small impact cratersThe numbers of large ejecta blocks in excess of several meters in diameter ('blockiness') around the rims of small craters in southeastern Mare Serenitatis exceed those around similar craters in southern Mare Imbrium (and some other regions) at all but the final stages of crater degradation. Terrestrial explosion crater analogs, studies of impact processes, and a layered mare model suggest that the nature of the layering in the subsurface, including lavas, ejecta and buried regolith horizons, could account for the variable blockiness of crater ejecta and, possibly, for some variation in crater size-frequency distributions. Such effects would limit the reliability and utility of counting postmare craters for the purpose of estimating the relative ages of mare surfaces. Similarly, comparisons of the effects of progressive degradation on small impact craters to determine relative or absolute ages of individual craters may be limited by the influence of stratigraphy on ejecta fragment size distributions, which would in turn affect micrometeorite erosion rates and regolith production models.
Document ID
19750055480
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Young, R. A.
Brennan, W. J.
Nichols, D. J.
(New York, State University Geneseo, N.Y., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1974
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar Science Conference
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 18, 1974
End Date: March 22, 1974
Accession Number
75A39552
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-12770
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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