Lunar mare domes - Classification and modes of origin

Abstract

In this paper, lunar mare domes (LMDs) are classified according to morphologic and morphometric (primarily diameter) characteristics, and consideration is given to their origin and role in lunar surface processes. In general, they occur either as low, flat, circular structures with convex shapes, slopes less than about 5 deg, and display summit craters, or as irregular structures often adjacent to highland regions and rarely containing summit craters. It is found that LMDs originate through extrusion of lavas through vents to produce low lava shields, or through flooding and draping of preexisting topography to produce kipukas and irregular domes. Smooth, vent-related mare domes range from about 3-17 km in diameter and up to several hundred meters in elevation; they are similar in morphology to small terrestrial lava shields.