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Interpretation of lunar heat flow dataLunar heat flow observations at the Apollo 15 and 17 sites can be interpreted to imply bulk U concentrations for the moon of 5 to 8 times those of normal chondrites and 2 to 4 times terrestrial values inferred from the earth's heat flow and the assumption of thermal steady state between surface heat flow and heat production. A simple model of nearsurface structure that takes into account the large difference in (highly insulating) regolith thickness between mare and highland provinces is considered. This model predicts atypically high local values of heat flow near the margins of mare regions - possibly a factor of 10 or so higher than the global average. A test of the proposed model using multifrequency microwave techniques appears possible wherein heat flow traverse measurements are made across mare-highland contacts. The theoretical considerations discussed here urge caution in attributing global significance to point heat-flow measurements on the moon.
Document ID
19760033231
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Conel, J. E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Morton, J. B.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Space Sciences Div., Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: The Moon
Volume: 14
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
76A16197
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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