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Origin of lunar light plainsIn order to determine the origin of Cayley-type lunar light plains, their physical properties, distribution, and relative ages are examined from Apollo orbital and Lunar Orbiter photographs. The distribution and apparent age of the plains deposits and data on highly feldspathic breccias indicate that these superficial materials are neither locally derived nor part of the Imbrium ejecta. The existence of a planar facies of continuous ejecta at Orientale and in the ejecta blankets of small craters is demonstrated. The data and interpretation presented support the hypothesis that the surface and near-surface materials of some light plains, including those at the Apollo 16 site, are at least partly composed of ejecta from the Orientale basin and that the materials of many rugged areas, such as the Descartes highlands, are overlain by similar material. The possibility that some Cayley-type plains may have a different origin is not excluded.
Document ID
19760040583
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chao, E. C. T.
Hodges, C. A.
Boyce, J. M.
Soderblom, L. A.
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: U.S. Geological Survey
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
76A23549
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER T-2357-A
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER T-1167-B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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