Mixing of the lunar regolithA probabilistic model for mixing and turnover rates for the lunar regolith due to meteoritic impact is presented and evaluated using results from laboratory impact experiments and estimated meteoritic fluxes. The upper millimeter of the lunar surface is shown to be the primary mixing zone in the regolith and an important source for impact melts and vapors. Below this 'mixing layer' the rate of mixing and turnover decreases very rapidly with increasing depth, consistent with well-preserved stratigraphy and resident times deduced from deep drill core tube samples.
Document ID
19750055619
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Gault, D. E. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Hoerz, F. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)
Brownlee, D. E. (Washington, University Seattle, Wash., United States)
Hartung, J. B. (Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik Heidelberg, Germany)