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A Model of the Primordial Lunar AtmosphereWe create the first quantitative model for the early lunar atmosphere, coupled with a magma ocean crystallization model. Immediately after formation, the moon's surface was subject to a radiative environment that included contributions from the early Sun, a post-impact Earth that radiated like a mid-type M dwarf star, and a cooling global magma ocean. This radiative environment resulted in a largely Earth-side atmosphere on the Moon, ranging from approximately 10(exp 4) to approximately 10(exp 2) pascals, composed of heavy volatiles (Na and SiO). This atmosphere persisted through lid formation and was additionally characterized by supersonic winds that transported significant quantities of moderate volatiles and likely generated magma ocean waves. The existence of this atmosphere may have influenced the distribution of some moderate volatiles and created temperature asymmetries which influenced ocean flow and cooling. Such asymmetries may characterize young, tidally locked rocky bodies with global magma oceans and subject to intense irradiation.
Document ID
20180000628
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Saxena, Prabal
(Universities Space Research Association Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Elkins-Tanton, Lindy
(Arizona State Univ. Tempe, AZ, United States)
Petro, Noah
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Mandell, Avi
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
January 18, 2018
Publication Date
August 7, 2017
Publication Information
Publication: Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Publisher: Elsevier
Volume: 474
ISSN: 0012-821X
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Oceanography
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN50406
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNH15CO48B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Moo

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