R.A. Yingst, F.C. Chuang, D.C. Berman, S.C. Mest

A reassessment of the volcanic history of western South Pole-Aitken Basin based on

geologic mapping

R.A. Yingst, F.C. Chuang, D.C. Berman, S.C. Mest

1Geological Society of America – Denver, CO, October 2013Geologic map at 1:250,000 of Lunar Quadrangle 29-Planck

Overview

• Geologic setting of the mapping site.

• Methodology; criteria for identifying volcanics.

• Implications

– More diverse modes of emplacement

– Greater area covered by volcanics

2Geological Society of America – Denver, CO, October 2013

3

Planck Quadrangle (outlined in black), with large impact structures noted. Map was created at 1:2,500,000-scale.

Geological Society of America – Denver, CO, October 2013

LROC WAC mosaic of Planck Quadrangle

Datasets

15 kmN


LROC WAC mosaic of Jules Verne, Planck Quadrangle (~100 m/pxl)

Clementine multispectral mosaic of Jules Verne (~100-300 m/pxl)

LOLA topographic of Jules Verne (~1 m/pxl vertical)

Volcanic deposits• Volcanic deposits identified by albedo, texture,

morphology and spectral signature.

• - Mare deposits

• - Pyroclastics

• • Other volcanically derived deposits

• - Cryptomare candidates

5Geological Society of America – Denver, CO, October 2013

Mare deposits

Pauli

12 kmN


Pyroclastic deposits

N Jules Verne

20 kmN


Other volcanically-

derived deposits

N


7 km

7 km

Jules Verne P

N

Other volcanically

derived deposits


5 km

5 km

N

Jules Verne

Cryptomare material

N of Planck

15 kmN


Results

22 mare deposits, 18 other volcanic deposits (7 are newly mapped).

An additional 3,000-5,000 km2 covered by other volcanics (5% more).

Broader range of volcanic expressions than previously mapped.


Conclusions

Greater surface area covered by volcanics implies a greater volcanic flux.

More variations in eruptive style than previously suspected — We infer mode of emplacement of volcanic deposits (an indication of conditions at depth) was more diverse than previously thought.

Other volcanics associated with fractures — tectonic trigger?

No estimate yet on the stratigraphy of these deposits and how morphology varies as a function of time.


R.A. Yingst, F.C. Chuang, D.C. Berman, S.C. Mest

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