Lunar Layers formation mechanisms FINAL
Diagram showing different formation hypotheses for striated blocks observed near Aristarchus crater on the Moon.
For example images of the striated blocks see: lroc.sese.asu.edu/news/index.php?/archives/336-Striated-b...
The hypotheses were presented in Zanetti et al., LPSC 42 (2011) Abstract 2262.
www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2011/pdf/2262.pdf
Scenario A is the possibility that the layers were formed when bright-material flood basalt deposits alternated with dark pyroclastic ejecta coughed out of volcanoes
Scenario B: is the hypothesis that bright-material flood basalt deposits sat on the surface and were then peppered with impacts on the top side to make a dusty darker regolith
Scenario C: is the hypothesis that bright-material flood basalts formed a dark glassy crust layer on the top surface as the basalt layer was quickly cooled when exposed to the lunar vacuum
The authors found that Scenario C is the best explanation.
Graphic by Mike Malaska
Lunar Layers formation mechanisms FINAL
Diagram showing different formation hypotheses for striated blocks observed near Aristarchus crater on the Moon.
For example images of the striated blocks see: lroc.sese.asu.edu/news/index.php?/archives/336-Striated-b...
The hypotheses were presented in Zanetti et al., LPSC 42 (2011) Abstract 2262.
www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2011/pdf/2262.pdf
Scenario A is the possibility that the layers were formed when bright-material flood basalt deposits alternated with dark pyroclastic ejecta coughed out of volcanoes
Scenario B: is the hypothesis that bright-material flood basalt deposits sat on the surface and were then peppered with impacts on the top side to make a dusty darker regolith
Scenario C: is the hypothesis that bright-material flood basalts formed a dark glassy crust layer on the top surface as the basalt layer was quickly cooled when exposed to the lunar vacuum
The authors found that Scenario C is the best explanation.
Graphic by Mike Malaska