The Geology of Multi-Ring Impact Basins: The

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.

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

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

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials