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Remote sensing of potential lunar resources. 2: High spatial resolution mapping of spectral reflectance ratios and implications for nearside mare TiO2 content`High spatial resolution maps illustrating variations in spectral reflectance 400/560 nm ratio values have been generated for the following mare regions: (1) the border between southern Mare Serenitatis and northern Mare Tranquillitatis (including the MS-2 standard area and Apollo 17 landing site), (2) central Mare Tranquillitatis, (3) Oceanus Procellarum near Seleucus, and (4) southern Oceanus Procellarum and Flamsteed. We have also obtained 320-1000 nm reflectance spectra of several sites relative to MS-2 to facilitate scaling of the images and provide additional information on surface composition. Inferred TiO2 abundances for these mare regions have been determined using an empirical calibration which relates the weight percent TiO2 in mature mare regolith to the observed 400/560 nm ratio. Mare areas with high TiO2 abundances are probably rich in ilmenite (FeTiO3) a potential lunar resource. The highest potential TiO2 concentrations we have identified in the nearside maria occur in central Mare Tranquillitatis. Inferred TiO2 contents for these areas are greater than 9 wt% and are spatially consistent with the highest-TiO2 regions mapped previously at lower spatial resolution. We note that the morphology of surface units with high 400/560 nm ratio values increases in complexity at higher spatial resolutions. Comparisons have been made with previously published geologic maps, Lunar Orbiter IV, and ground-based images, and some possible morphologic correlatins have been found between our mapped 400/560 nm ratio values and volcanic landforms such as lava flows, mare domes, and collapse pits.
Document ID
19950054276
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Melendrez, David E.
(University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona United States)
Johnson, Jeffrey R.
(University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona United States)
Larson, Stephen M.
(University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona United States)
Singer, Robert B.
(University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
March 25, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 99
Issue: E3
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
95A85875
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1332
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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