Implications of lithospheric bending and faulting in lunar mare-terra tectonics

A qualitative model of lithospheric flexure and faulting is proposed which accounts for certain rille fault features around mare regions of the moon. It is suggested that the subsidence of lunar mare basins may be due to the existence of their mascons and their volcanic fills as loads that flexed the lithosphere, in addition to the effects of drying up and cooling of internal hot volumes. Differences in the internal attack against the lunar crust from above and below the mean surface are considered. The rille formation is shown to be characterized by peripheral bulging and bending, and it is suggested that asthenosphere-related effects in lunar tectonics may have been very important.