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Modeling lunar volcanic eruptionsSimple physical arguments are used to show that basaltic volcanos on different planetary bodies would fountain to the same height if the mole fraction of gas in the magma scaled with the acceleration of gravity. It is suggested that the actual eruption velocities and fountain heights are controlled by the velocities of sound in the two phase gas/liquid flows. These velocities are in turn determined by the gas contents in the magma. Predicted characteristics of Hawaiian volcanos are in excellent accord with observations. Assuming that the only gas in lunar volcano is the CO which would be produced if the observed Fe metal in lunar basalts resulted from graphite reduction, lunar volcanos would fountain vigorously, but not as spectacularly as their terrestrial counterparts. The volatile trace metals, halogens, and sulfur released would be transported over the entire moon by the transient atmosphere. Orange and black glass type pyroclastic materials would be transported in sufficient amounts to produce the observed dark mantle deposits.
Document ID
19790055166
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Housley, R. M.
(Rockwell International Science Center Thousand Oaks, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 13, 1978
End Date: March 17, 1978
Accession Number
79A39179
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-11539
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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