Diaz, J. M. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1978

Regional deformation of mare surfaces

The possible tectonic significance of large topographic irregularities within Mare Serenitatis is discussed, and the characteristics of sinuous rilles are considered as possible indicators of structural deformation. It is shown that most sinuous rilles have been structurally warped and that their slopes lie within the laminar flow range. The sinuous rilles may have been formed in the domain of turbulent flow, if the ratios of meander wavelength to channel width can be taken as indicators. Some surface tectonic deformation occurring before the broad uplift of the basin center is suggested by the surface topography and radar reflectors in the Mare Serenitatis.

Scott, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Lunar farside tectonics and volcanism

The reported study is primarily concerned with the identification and mapping of structural and volcanic features on the lunar farside. The study represents a continuation and extension of a similar investigation made of the nearside of the moon by Scott et al. (1975). Mapping reveals that tectonic structures on the moon's farside are comparatively scarce and such less prominently developed than those on the nearside. Rilles and mare-type ridges that form major linear and basin concentric systems on the nearside are nearly absent on the farside as are large normal faults like Rupes Recta and Rupes Cauchy. The azimuth orientations of five types of geologic structures were measured, including lineaments, crater chains, terra ridges, faults and linear rilles, and straight segments of crater rims. Mare basalts are concentrated in low regions, especially in a large southern basin which is also the site of relatively numerous volcanic constructs as well as geochemical and magnetic anomalies.

Scott, D. H.↗