Shallow moonquakes - Depth, distribution and implications as to the present state of the lunar interiorThe observed seismic amplitudes of HFT (high-frequency teleseismic) events do not vary with distance as expected for surface sources, but are consistent with sources in the upper mantle of the moon. Thus, the upper mantle of the moon is the only zone where tectonic stresses deriving from differential thermal contraction and expansion of the lunar interior are presently high enough to cause moonquakes. The distribution of shallow moonquake epicenters suggests a possible correlation with impact basins, implying a lasting tectonic influence of impact basins long after their formation. The finite depths now assigned to these shallow moonquakes necessitate further revision to the seismic structural model of the lunar interior.
Document ID
19800039522
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Nakamura, Y. (Marine Science Inst. Galveston, TX, United States)
Latham, G. V. (Marine Science Inst. Galveston, TX, United States)
Dorman, H. J. (Marine Science Inst. Galveston, TX, United States)
Ibrahim, A.-B. K. (Marine Science Inst. Galveston, TX, United States)
Koyama, J. (Marine Science Inst. Galveston, TX, United States)
Horvath, P. (Texas, University Marine Science Institute, Galveston, Tex., United States)