Development of the earth-moon system with implications for the geology of the early earthEstablished facts regarding the basic features of the earth and the moon are reviewed, and some important problems involving the moon are discussed (extent of melting, time of crustal differentiation and nature of bombardment, bulk chemical composition, and nature and source of mare basins), with attention given to the various existing theories concerning these problems. Models of the development of the earth-moon system from the solar nebula are examined, with particular attention focused on those that use the concept of capture with disintegration. Impact processes in the early crust of the earth are briefly considered, with attention paid to Green's (1972) suggestion that Archaean greenstone belts may be the terrestrial equivalent of lunar maria.
Document ID
19760059761
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Smith, J. V. (Chicago, University Chicago, Ill., United States)