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Remote sensing studies of the terrain northwest of Humorum Basin
Author(s) -
Hawke B. Ray,
Peterson Chris A.,
Lucey Paul G.,
Taylor G. Jeffrey,
Blewett David T.,
Campbell Bruce A.,
Coombs Cassandra R.,
Spudis Paul D.
Publication year - 1993
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 - 10.1029/92gl02921
Subject(s) - anorthosite , geology , geology of the moon , norite , impact crater , structural basin , basalt , geochemistry , stratigraphy , lunar mare , terrain , impact structure , lithology , geomorphology , paleontology , plagioclase , astrobiology , gabbro , geography , tectonics , quartz , physics , cartography
We have used near‐infrared reflectance spectra and Earth‐based radar data to investigate the composition and origin of the various geologic units northwest of Humorum basin as well as the stratigraphy of the Humorum pre‐impact target site. The results of our spectral analysis indicate that at least a portion of the inner, mare‐bounding ring is composed of pure anorthosite. Other highlands units in the region are dominated by noritic anorthosite. The anorthosites on the inner ring may have been derived from a layer of anorthosite that exists at depth beneath a more pyroxene‐rich unit. Both Gassendi G and F craters expose mare material from beneath a highlands‐rich surface unit that was emplaced as a result of the Letronne, Gassendi, and other impact events. This ancient basalt unit was emplaced after the formation of Humorum basin but prior to the Orientale impact.