Global survey of lunar regolith depths from LROC images

► We present the first lunar farside regolith depth results from image data. ► Farside and nearside non-mare regolith is twice as deep as mare regolith. ► Regolith depth correlates well with large-crater density. We performed the first global survey of lunar regolith depths using Lunar Reconnaissanc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Icarus (New York, N.Y. 1962) N.Y. 1962), 2011-10, Vol.215 (2), p.485-490
Main Authors: Bart, Gwendolyn D., Nickerson, Ryan D., Lawder, Matthew T., Melosh, H.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Cratering
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Impact processes
Moon, Surface
Regoliths
Solar system
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Summary:► We present the first lunar farside regolith depth results from image data. ► Farside and nearside non-mare regolith is twice as deep as mare regolith. ► Regolith depth correlates well with large-crater density. We performed the first global survey of lunar regolith depths using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) data and the crater morphology method for determining regolith depth. We find that on both the lunar farside and in the nearside, non-mare regions, the regolith depth is twice as deep as it is within the lunar maria. Our data compare favorably with previous studies where such data exist. We also find that regolith depth correlates well with density of large craters (>20 km diameter). This result is consistent with the gradual formation of regolith by rock fracture during impact events.
ISSN:0019-1035
1090-2643
DOI:10.1016/j.icarus.2011.07.017