Chemical composition and origin of Apollo 15 impact melts

Fourteen Apollo 15 impact melt rocks were analyzed for major (fused bead microprobe) and trace element (INAA) abundances, and the compositions of these Apennine Front rocks were compared with samples from other landing sites. The rocks show a wide range in trace element abundances, although all but one have a typical KREEP incompatible element pattern and have low-K Fra Mauro basaltic or medium-K Fra Mauro basaltic compositions. The melt chemistries appear to form five groups (labeled A to E in order of decreasing incompatible elements), with the compositions unlike nearly all other impact melts and regoliths from highland sites. All groups except Group A may represent single impact events (either Imbrian or post-Imbrian). One unique sample has a non-KREEP incompatible element pattern, with low abundances and a positive Eu anomaly. Its target is believed to be either a pre-Imbrian melt or exotic.