Global silicate mineralogy of the Moon from the Diviner lunar radiometer.
We obtained direct global measurements of the lunar surface using multispectral thermal emission mapping with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment. Most lunar terrains have spectral signatures that are consistent with known lunar anorthosite and basalt compositions. However, the data have also revealed the presence of highly evolved, silica-rich lunar soils in kilometer-scale and larger exposures, expanded the compositional range of the anorthosites that dominate the lunar crust, and shown that pristine lunar mantle is not exposed at the lunar surface at the kilometer scale. Together, these observations provide compelling evidence that the Moon is a complex body that has experienced a diverse set of igneous processes.
Greenhagen
Benjamin T
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA. benjamin.t.greenhagen@jpl.nasa.gov
Lucey
Paul G
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Wyatt
Michael B
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Glotch
Timothy D
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Allen
Carlton C
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Arnold
Jessica A
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Bandfield
Joshua L
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Bowles
Neil E
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Donaldson Hanna
Kerri L
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Hayne
Paul O
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Song
Eugenie
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Thomas
Ian R
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Paige
David A
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