Mare basalt genesis - A cumulate-remelting model
In the framework of the cumulative-remelting model of lunar evolution, high-Ti basalts can be produced by extensive melting of a late-stage cumulate consisting of ilmenite-plagioclase-clinopyroxene-olivine at shallow depths immediately beneath about 60 km thick plagioclase-rich crust. Low-Ti mare basalts can be derived by small degrees of partial melting of an earlier cumulate containing mainly olivine-clinopyroxene-orthopyroxene with minor plagioclase or spinel at greater depth.