Open AccessGeology of the Moscoviense Basin
Author(s) -
Thaisen Kevin G.,
Head James W.,
Taylor Lawrence A.,
Kramer Georgiana Y.,
Isaacson Peter,
Nettles Jeff,
Petro Noah,
Pieters Carle M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2010je003732
Subject(s) - geology , structural basin , mafic , context (archaeology) , terrain , basalt , geochemistry , geomorphology , paleontology , geography , cartography
The Moscoviense Basin, on the northern portion of the lunar farside, displays topography with a partial peak ring, in addition to rings that are offset to the southeast. These rings do not follow the typical concentric ring spacing that is recognized with other basins, suggesting that they may have formed as a result of an oblique impact or perhaps multiple impacts. In addition to the unusual ring spacing present, the Moscoviense Basin contains diverse mare basalt units covering the basin floor and a few highland mafic exposures within its rings. New analysis of previously mapped mare units suggests that the oldest mare unit is the remnant of the impact melt sheet. The Moscoviense Basin provides a glimpse into the lunar highlands terrain and an opportunity to explore the geologic context of initial lunar crustal development and modification.