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Mare glasses from Apollo 17 - Constraints on the moon's bulk compositionTwo previously unreported varieties of mare volcanic glass have been discovered in Apollo 17 samples. Twenty-three chemical types of volcanic glass have now been analyzed from the six Apollo landing sites. These volcanic glasses, which may be samples of primary magmas derived from the differentiated lunar mantle, define two linear arrays that seem to reflect regional, if not global, regularities among the source regions of these melts. Additional systematics among these glasses have been used to estimate the bulk composition of the moon. The results suggest that the refractory lithophile elements are present at abundances of 1.7 x chondrites. The silicate portion of the moon appears to have a major-element composition similar to a volatile (Si, Na, K)-depleted, earth's upper mantle. The theory involving an earth-fission origin of the moon can be tested further through trace element analyses on the volcanic glasses, and through determination of the N/Ar-36 ratio and noble gas isotopes from primordial lunar gas trapped within vesicles associated with mare volcanic glass.
Document ID
19840035666
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Delano, J. W.
(New York, State University Albany, NY, United States)
Lindsley, D. H.
(New York, State University Stony Brook, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 15, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research, Supplement
Volume: 88
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A18453
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-33-015-130
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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