Experimental shock metamorphism of lunar soilShock experiments in the pressure range 15-73 GPa were performed on lunar soil 15101 in order to investigate the effect of a single impact event on the formation of soil breccias and agglutinates. The study has demonstrated that the propagation of a shock wave emanating from a single impact in porous particulate samples causes collision and shear of grains, collapse of pore spaces, and compaction which is sufficient to indurate soil at low pressures (15-18 GPa) without significant melting (less than 5%). These low pressures create soil breccias or weakly shocked soil fragments from loose regolith. At pressures above 65 GPa, shock melting produces a pumiceous whole-soil glass which is equivalent to agglutinate glass, glass fragments, or ropy glasses depending on the abundance of lithic fragments and relict grains.
Document ID
19820038810
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Schaal, R. B. (Lockheed Engineering and Management Services Co., Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Horz, F. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)