Diversity of basaltic lunar volcanism associated with buried impact structures: Implications for intrusive and extrusive events

•Volcanic phenomena associated with buried impact structures are investigated.•Basic characteristics of the diversity of basaltic lunar volcanism with respect to 10 buried impact craters are discussed.•Possible models of crater-related igneous processes are proposed. Relatively denser basalt infilli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Icarus (New York, N.Y. 1962) N.Y. 1962), 2018-06, Vol.307, p.216-234
Main Authors: Zhang, F., Zhu, M.-H., Bugiolacchi, R., Huang, Q., Osinski, G.R., Xiao, L., Zou, Y.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Geological process
Impact structure
The Moon
Volcanism
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Summary:•Volcanic phenomena associated with buried impact structures are investigated.•Basic characteristics of the diversity of basaltic lunar volcanism with respect to 10 buried impact craters are discussed.•Possible models of crater-related igneous processes are proposed. Relatively denser basalt infilling and the upward displacement of the crust–mantle interface are thought to be contributing factors for the quasi-circular mass anomalies for buried impact craters in the lunar maria. Imagery and gravity observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and dual Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) missions have identified 10 partially or fully buried impact structures where diversity of observable basaltic mare volcanism exists. With a detailed investigation of the characteristics of associated volcanic landforms, we describe their spatial distribution relationship with respect to the subsurface tectonic structure of complex impact craters and propose possible models for the igneous processes which may take advantage of crater-related zones of weakness and enable magmas to reach the surface. We conclude that the lunar crust, having been fractured and reworked extensively by cratering, facilitates substance and energy exchange between different lunar systems, an effect modulated by tectonic activities both at global and regional scales. In addition, we propose that the intrusion-caused contribution to gravity anomalies should be considered in future studies, although this is commonly obscured by other physical factors such as mantle uplift and basalt load.
ISSN:0019-1035
1090-2643
DOI:10.1016/j.icarus.2017.10.039