Highly Silicic Compositions on the Moon

Using data from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment, we show that four regions of the Moon previously described as "red spots" exhibit mid-infrared spectra best explained by quartz, silica-rich glass, or alkali feldspar. These lithologies are consistent with evolved rocks similar to lu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2010-09, Vol.329 (5998), p.1510-1513
Main Authors: Glotch, Timothy D, Lucey, Paul G, Bandfield, Joshua L, Greenhagen, Benjamin T, Thomas, Ian R, Elphic, Richard C, Bowles, Neil, Wyatt, Michael B, Allen, Carlton C, Hanna, Kerri Donaldson, Paige, David A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cosmochemistry. Extraterrestrial geology
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Earths Moon
Exact sciences and technology
Extraterrestrial geology
Feldspars
Highlands
Impact craters
Lithology
Lunar composition
Minerals
Moon
Planetology
Radiometers
Silica
Spectral bands
Spectral index
Spectrum analysis
Volcanic domes
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Summary:Using data from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment, we show that four regions of the Moon previously described as "red spots" exhibit mid-infrared spectra best explained by quartz, silica-rich glass, or alkali feldspar. These lithologies are consistent with evolved rocks similar to lunar granites in the Apollo samples. The spectral character of these spots is distinct from surrounding mare and highlands material and from regions composed of pure plagioclase feldspar. The variety of landforms associated with the silicic spectral character suggests that both extrusive and intrusive silicic magmatism occurred on the Moon. Basaltic underplating is the preferred mechanism for silicic magma generation, leading to the formation of extrusive landforms. This mechanism or silicate liquid immiscibility could lead to the formation of intrusive bodies.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1192148