Keywords

Moon, spectroscopy, volcanism, geology, remote sensing

Abstract

Compositional characterization of lunar surface features informs our understanding of the Moon's thermal and magmatic evolution. We investigated the compositions of hypothesized volcanic features known as irregular mare patches (IMPs) and their surroundings to constrain formation mechanisms. We used six datasets to assess the composition of 12 IMPs: 1) Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) derived spectral parameters (e.g., band center positions, shapes), 2) Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner Radiometer Experiment (Diviner) measured Christiansen feature (CF) position, 3) SELENE (Kaguya) Multiband Imager (MI) FeO abundance, 4) Clementine 5-band (Ultraviolet/Visible)-derived FeO abundance, 5) LRO Wide Angle Camera (WAC) TiO2 abundance, and 6) LRO Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) derived single scattering albedo. Our analysis suggests that some IMPs are compositionally unique from their surroundings, while other IMPs exhibit ambiguous compositional trends, which is consistent with the wide variety of geologic settings in which IMPs are situated. Large IMPs are similar to surrounding low albedo dark halos, which could suggest a formation association between IMPs and these dark halo materials. Spectral and photometric comparisons suggest that IMPs' compositions are compatible with Apollo 11 and 17 high-Ti mare basalts, as well as a group of synthetic high-Ca pyroxenes. Future remote sensing orbiters with high spatial resolution are essential to resolve the compositions of smaller IMPs as well as the distinct smooth and rough morphological regions within larger IMPs.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Donaldson Hanna, Kerri

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Degree Program

Planetary Sciences

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028290

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028290

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

May 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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