Geostratigraphic mapping of the intrusive Valentine Domes on the Moon

This is a Preprint and has not been peer reviewed. The published version of this Preprint is available: https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JE008423. This is version 2 of this Preprint.

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Authors

Javier Eduardo Suarez Valencia, Angelo Pio Rossi

Abstract

Lunar intrusive igneous domes have not been the center of much research in the past due to their rare occurrence on the lunar surface, and the difficulty in locating them. Most of the known structures were discovered using images with low illumination angles, including data from the Lunar Orbiter, telescopic images, and photos taken during the Apollo Missions. These intrusive domes are characterized by an oval shape and low slopes. We analyzed one of these systems, the Valentine domes, located near the rim of the west Serenitatis basin with modern techniques and datasets from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Chandrayaan-1 missions. We created a geostratigraphic map of the area, combining geomorphological and spectral classifications. The aspect map (direction of the slope) proved to be the most suitable product to locate and delimit these structures; using it, we identified a new dome southeast of the principal body, suggesting that the intrusive system is larger than previously thought. It was found that the three domes can be classified as laccoliths; and that several secondary structures such as rilles, dykes, and secondary domes represent different stages of intrusive activity in the area. Based on crater counting analysis, we determined that the intrusive activity began after 2.98 ± 0.15 Ga and lasted at least until 1.88 ± 0.5 Ga ago.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31223/X5JX12

Subjects

Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Planetary Sciences

Keywords

Moon, Intrusive domes, Geostratigraphic mapping, Mare Serenitatis

Dates

Published: 2024-04-05 05:09

Last Updated: 2024-10-02 12:44

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License

CC BY Attribution 4.0 International

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Conflict of interest statement:
None