The geochemical evolution of the moon

Abstract

Evidence for and implications of homogeneous accretion of the moon are considered. Interelement ratios are used to calculate the composition of the highland crust. The rare-earth data for the highlands show a positive Eu anomaly, allowing the deduction that the interior has a negative anomaly. The Cr/Ni ratios in the highlands are considered in regard to the overall lunar abundance of the siderophile elements. These abundance data and the constraints from the heat flow measurements are next used to set limits on the bulk composition for the moon. The geochemical constraints are integrated with the petrological and geophysical data in an attempt to provide a consistent model for the geochemical evolution of the moon.