Moon origin - The impact-trigger hypothesisArguments in favor of the impact-trigger model of lunar origin are presented. Lunar properties favoring this hypothesis include: (1) lunar iron and volatile deficiency; (2) angular momentum of the earth-moon system; and (3) similar O isotopes, bulk iron contents, and densities of earth's mantle and the moon. It is shown that the intense early bombardment averaged during earth's formation was several billion times the present meteoritic mass flux, consistent with a giant impact.
Document ID
19870033369
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hartmann, William K. (Planetary Science Institute Tucson, AZ, United States)