Classification, distribution, and origin of lithic fragments from the Hadley-Apennine region

The mineralogy and petrology of sixteen Apollo 15 soil samples from six stations are described together with the mineralogy, petrology, and chemistry of nineteen 4 to 10 mm basaltic lithic particles from nine stations. The lithic samples are classified, and relative abundances of the various rock types in the different samples are determined. The data are used to discuss the origin of the lithic types and their distribution according to selenological terranes. Population studies on particles in the 0.5 to 4 mm size range reveal systematic differences among three selenological terranes corresponding to the Appenine Front, the Mare/Rille, and the ridge or ray locations.