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Examination of samples from South Pole-Aitken on the far side of the Moon revealed important differences in volcanic activity and crustal structure between the two sides. These findings help to better understand the geological past of the Moon and improve methods for dating lunar craters.
The moon is reported to display a striking contrast between its visible and far sides, differing in topography, chemical composition, crustal thickness and level of volcanic activity.
To examine this difference in more detail, a team led by Professor Yigan Xu of the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry examined soil samples collected by the Chang'e-6 mission from the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
Photo: GIGCAS
The samples contain two types of basalts — low and very low Ti (low-Ti and VLT).
The analysis showed that the low-titanium basalt formed at the mission's landing site, while the VLT basalt may have been brought from nearby regions.
Photo: GIGCAS
The dating showed that these basalts formed about 2,83 billion years ago, indicating that volcanism on the reverse side lasted longer than previously thought.
Although the thin crust of the South Pole-Aitken Basin could have contributed to volcanism, Xu's team concluded that the composition of the mantle played a key role.
Photo: GIGCAS
The depleted and refractory mantle beneath the basin significantly hindered melting processes, which limited the formation of lava.
Photo: GIGCAS
The study provided an additional calibration point for the chronology of lunar craters, improving tools for estimating the ages of both lunar and planetary surfaces. It is also important for studying the evolution of impact processes and planetary migration in the early Solar System.
The study contributes to a better understanding of the geology of the Moon and potentially sheds light on the processes that took place in the first stages of the formation of our planetary system.
Examination of samples from South Pole-Aitken on the far side of the Moon revealed important differences in volcanic activity and crustal structure between the two sides. These findings help to better understand the geological past of the Moon and improve methods for dating lunar craters.
The moon is reported to display a striking contrast between its visible and far sides, differing in topography, chemical composition, crustal thickness and level of volcanic activity.
To examine this difference in more detail, a team led by Professor Yigan Xu of the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry examined soil samples collected by the Chang'e-6 mission from the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
Photo: GIGCAS
The samples contain two types of basalts — low and very low Ti (low-Ti and VLT).
The analysis showed that the low-titanium basalt formed at the mission's landing site, while the VLT basalt may have been brought from nearby regions.
Photo: GIGCAS
The dating showed that these basalts formed about 2,83 billion years ago, indicating that volcanism on the reverse side lasted longer than previously thought.
Although the thin crust of the South Pole-Aitken Basin could have contributed to volcanism, Xu's team concluded that the composition of the mantle played a key role.
Photo: GIGCAS
The depleted and refractory mantle beneath the basin significantly hindered melting processes, which limited the formation of lava.
Photo: GIGCAS
The study provided an additional calibration point for the chronology of lunar craters, improving tools for estimating the ages of both lunar and planetary surfaces. It is also important for studying the evolution of impact processes and planetary migration in the early Solar System.
The study contributes to a better understanding of the geology of the Moon and potentially sheds light on the processes that took place in the first stages of the formation of our planetary system.
