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Lunar dark-haloed impact craters - Origin and implications for early mare volcanismSpectral, thermal, radar, and photogeologic data were used to determine the composition and origin of lunar dark-haloed craters. Analyses of reflectance spectra (near-infrared) of dark-haloed craters on light plains indicate that in every instance these craters exposed mare basalts which had previously been covered by varying thicknesses of highlands debris. In the Schiller-Schickard region a relatively thick highlands unit was emplaced as a result of the Orientale impact event. The results of recent remote sensing photogeologic and lunar samples studies indicate that mare volcanism was a significant process during much of the pre-Imbrian epoch and may have been initiated as early as 4.2-4.3 Ga. The very early volcanic episodes contributed materials to the lunar surface which were later incorporated into the upper portion of the highlands crust by subsequent impact mixing. On the basis of the data it is concluded that current models of the extent and duration of mare volcanisms, as well as those involving the composition of thermal evolution of the lunar interior will have to be revised.
Document ID
19840061092
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bell, J. F.
(Hawaii Univ. Manoa, HI, United States)
Hawke, B. R.
(Hawaii, University Manoa, HI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
August 10, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A43879
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7323
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-42
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-237
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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