The Nubium and Imbrium regions on the Moon : a history of mare flows

• Main Author: Bugiolacchi, R
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of London 2006

The objective of my research is to identify, classify, measure, date, and place in a geological context distinctive lava flows within the Nubium and Imbrium regions of the Moon. I used multispectral filter data from the Clementine mission to create regional compositional maps based on the estimated abundance of iron and titanium in the regolith. In addition, by letting the 415 nm, 950 nm, and 750 nm wavebands respectively control the BRG channels, I produced a 'stretched' true colour image. A 'false colour' map was also derived by combining the 415/750, 750/1000, and 750/415 nm ratios this type of image benefits from having albedo differences suppressed and colour differences considerably 'stretched'. Most of the exposed maria unit flows were thus identified, outlined, and classified according to their FeO and TiC2 weight percentage content. I also estimated the basalts' ages by establishing their crater size frequency distribution using Lunar Orbiter and Apollo images. A map produced from the filter ratio 750/950 nm helped identify late extrusive materials, fresh impact ejecta, and newly exposed regolith. Iron content variations in the ejecta blankets of several craters were used to estimate the area's minimum maria thickness at the time of impact. This work also focused on geological formations of outstanding interest related to the igneous history of regions. Finally, most data and results were collected and employed to produce multi-layered geological maps of the Nubium and Imbrium regions.