The Geology of Multi-Ring Impact Basins: The Moon and Other Planets

by Paul D. Spudis

• ISBN13: 9780521619233
• ISBN10: 0521619238
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Multi-ring basins are large impact craters formed in the early history of planets. They critically affect the evolution of the planets and their satellites. The Moon offers an exceptional chance to study these phenomena and this book provides a comprehensive geological study using data from lunar landings and remote sensing of the Moon. The author covers the formation and development of basins and considers their chemistry and mineralogy. He studies their effects on the volcanic, tectonic and geological evolution of the planet, including the catastrophic consequence on the planetary climate and evolution of life. This study is lavishly illustrated with many spectacular, highly-detailed photographs and diagrams.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
1 The multi-ring basin problem	1	(17)
1.1 Multi-ring basins and their significance	1	(2)
1.2 Overview of the lunar multi-ring basin controversy	3	(9)
1.2.1 Recognition of multi-ring basins	3	(2)
1.2.2 The problem of the original crater of excavation	5	(3)
1.2.3 The origin of basin rings	8	(2)
1.2.4 Basin ejecta and deposit emplacement	10	(2)
1.3 The approach of this book	12	(6)
1.3.1 Photogeologic evidence	13	(1)
1.3.2 Geology and petrology of Apollo and Luna landing sites	13	(1)
1.3.3 Remote sensing of the chemistry and mineralogy of basin ejecta	14	(2)
1.3.4 Geophysical data	16	(1)
1.3.5 Synthesis	17	(1)
2 From crater to basin	18	(24)
2.1 The cratering process	18	(11)
2.1.1 Impact mechanics	18	(5)
2.1.2 Impact craters: the terrestrial example	23	(6)
2.2 The morphology of fresh lunar craters	29	(6)
2.3 Size-dependent morphologic thresholds: crater to basin	35	(2)
2.4 Inventory of lunar multi-ring basins	37	(5)
3 The 'archetype' basin: Orientale	42	(25)
3.1 Regional geology of the Orientale impact site	42	(3)
3.2 Orientale morphology and geological units	45	(7)
3.2.1 Basin interior units	45	(5)
3.2.2 Basin exterior units	50	(2)
3.3 Rings and basin structures	52	(5)
3.4 Remote sensing of Orientale basin deposits	57	(5)
3.5 Orientale ejecta at Apollo landing sites?	62	(1)
3.6 The formation and evolution of the Orientale basin	63	(4)
4 An ancient basin: Nectaris	67	(22)
4.1 Regional geology and setting	67	(2)
4.2 Nectaris morphology and geological units	69	(8)
4.3 Remote sensing observations of Nectaris basin deposits	77	(5)
4.4 Apollo 16 site petrology - the Nectaris component	82	(4)
4.5 The formation and evolution of the Nectaris Basin	86	(3)
5 A modified basin: Crisium	89	(20)
5.1 Regional geological setting	89	(1)
5.2 Crisium morphology and geological units	90	(5)
5.3 Structural geology and rings of the Crisium basin	95	(6)
5.4 Composition of Crisium basin deposits	101	(2)
5.5 Crisium ejecta: petrology of the Luna 20 site	103	(3)
5.6 The formation and evolution of the Crisium basin	106	(3)
6 A transitional basin: Serenitatis	109	(22)
6.1 Regional geological setting and basin definition	109	(3)
6.2 Serenitatis morphology and geological units	112	(5)
6.3 Serenitatis basin rings and structure	117	(1)
6.4 Orbital geochemical data for Serenitatis basin deposits	118	(3)
6.5 Apollo 17 site geology - the Serenitatis basin "melt sheet"	121	(7)
6.6 The formation and evolution of the Serenitatis basin	128	(3)
7 The largest basin: Imbrium	131	(34)
7.1 Regional geology and setting	131	(3)
7.2 Imbrium morphology and geological units	134	(9)
7.3 Imbrium rings and basin structures	143	(3)
7.4 Remote-sensing data: the composition of Imbrium ejecta	146	(5)
7.5 The Fra Mauro Formation: petrology of the Apollo 14 site	151	(2)
7.6 The Apennine Mountains: petrology of the Apollo 15 site	153	(8)
7.7 Petrology of the Apollo 16 site - Imbrium basin ejecta?	161	(1)
7.8 The formation and evolution of the Imbrium basin	161	(4)
8 Geological processes in the formation of lunar basins	165	(26)
8.1 Composition and structure of the lunar crust	165	(2)
8.2 Excavation	167	(5)
8.3 Impact melt and ejecta	172	(8)
8.4 Ring formation	180	(8)
8.5 Long-term modification of basin topography	188	(3)
9 Multi-ring basins on the terrestrial planets	191	(33)
9.1 Earth	191	(3)
9.2 Mercury	194	(10)
9.2.1 Ancient mercurian basins	197	(3)
9.2.2 The Caloris basin	200	(4)
9.3 Mars	204	(10)
9.3.1 Ancient martian basins	209	(3)
9.3.2 Argyre and Hellas basins	212	(1)
9.3.3 Polar basins and the hemispheric dichotomy	213	(1)
9.4 Icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn	214	(5)
9.4.1 Ganymede and Callisto	214	(3)
9.4.2 Saturnian satellites	217	(2)
9.5 Venus	219	(5)
10 Multi-ring basins and planetary evolution	224	(8)
10.1 The building blocks of planetary surfaces	224	(1)
10.2 Effects of basins on planetary evolution	225	(6)
10.2.1 The Moon	225	(2)
10.2.2 Mercury	227	(1)
10.2.3 Mars	228	(1)
10.2.4 Icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn	229	(1)
10.2.5 Earth	229	(2)
10.3 Conclusion	231	(1)
References	232	(23)
Index	255