Seismic structure of the moon - A summary of current statusA seismic model of the moon, refined from previous models with the aid of new data and analyses for seismic events recorded by four Apollo lunar seismic stations and a gravimeter, is outlined. The current model has five zones. The crust is 55-60 km thick. The surface is covered by regolith of varying thicknesses and low seismic velocity. The seismic Q's are extremely high. The upper mantle, 250 km thick, is characterized by seismic velocities close to those of the earth's upper mantle, and shear wave Q of about 4000. Tidally controlled deep moonquakes are concentrated near the boundary of the middle mantle, 600-700 km thick. A lower mantle extending to an undetermined depth is characterized by high attenuation of shear waves. The existence of a low-velocity core is only tentatively proposed.
Document ID
19770051974
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Nakamura, Y. (Texas Univ. Galveston, TX, United States)
Latham, G. V. (Texas Univ. Galveston, TX, United States)
Dorman, H. J. (Texas Univ. Galveston, TX, United States)
Duennebier, F. K. (Texas, University Galveston, Tex., United States)