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The Deep Structure of Lunar Basins: Clues to the Understanding of Basin Formation and ModificationBasin excavation has played a major role in shaping the surface and subsurface of the Moon. Though photogeologic observations provide estimates for the present volumes of lunar impact basins and their ejecta deposits, there is not sufficient information to describe completely either the geometry of the basins at the time of impact or their modification with time. Determination of the structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath large basins can provide important insight into the thermal and mechanical processes associated with basin formation and modification as well as the differences in these processes as functions of basin age and size. Using observed gravity and topography together with the seismically determined crustal thickness of the central nearside, a model for the structure of the crust and upper mantle of the nearside of the Moon is presented. With this model the deep structure of the largest lunar basins are compared. The implications for the processes of basin formation and modification at different stages in lunar history are explored.
Document ID
19850015336
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Bratt, S. R.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Solomon, S. C.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Head, J. W.
(Brown Univ. Stony Brook, United States)
Thurber, C. H.
(State Univ. of New York)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program, 1984
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N23647
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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