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Orientations of central peaks in lunar craters - Implications for regional structural trendsImpact craters are dominant features on the lunar surface and all fresh craters with diameters greater than 35 km possess central peaks. Approximately half of these central peaks (54%) have either linear or arcuate geometry and display some preferential orientation. These orientations were measured for 200 lunar craters of Pre-Nectarian to Copernican age. A pervasive regional north-south trend is identified for central peak orientation, with secondary trends at + or - 20-30 deg from this axis. No evidence for regional east-west trends is found. These orientations are shown to persist in craters formed through the last 4 billion years of lunar history. A lack of coincidence between impact direction, as determined from ejecta asymmetries and peak orientation, argues for structural control by the target as a source of the linear peak morphology. This is supported by the regional and temporal persistence of preferred peak orientations. It is proposed that linear central peak orientations in lunar craters reflect a pervasive regional structural system which developed early in lunar history and has persisted through geologic time.
Document ID
19810041807
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Hale, W.
(Brown University Providence, R.I., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on the Lunar Highlands Crust
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: November 14, 1979
End Date: November 16, 1979
Accession Number
81A26211
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-40-002-116
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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