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GRAIL gravity constraints on the vertical and lateral density structure of the lunar crust
Author(s) -
Besserer Jonathan,
Nimmo Francis,
Wieczorek Mark A.,
Weber Renee C.,
Kiefer Walter S.,
McGovern Patrick J.,
AndrewsHanna Jeffrey C.,
Smith David E.,
Zuber Maria T.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2014gl060240
Subject(s) - geology , crust , structural basin , geophysics , density contrast , petrology , geomorphology , physics , astronomy
We analyzed data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission using a localized admittance approach to map out spatial variations in the vertical density structure of the lunar crust. Mare regions are characterized by a distinct decrease in density with depth, while the farside is characterized by an increase in density with depth at an average gradient of ∼35 kg m −3 km −1 and typical surface porosities of at least 20%. The Apollo 12 and 14 landing site region has a similar density structure to the farside, permitting a comparison with seismic velocity profiles. The interior of the South Pole‐Aitken (SP‐A) impact basin appears distinct with a near‐surface low‐density (porous) layer 2–3 times thinner than the rest of the farside. This result suggests that redistribution of material during the large SP‐A impact likely played a major role in sculpting the lunar crust.