EG24: A large low-density igneous pluton occurring beneath the Aristarchus plateau revealed by gravity inversion

Feng Liang, Mohamed Amrouche, Jianguo Yan, Hakim Saibi

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The Aristarchus plateau, located at the center of the Oceanus Procellarum, hosts one of the most complex volcanic features on the Moon. To obtain the first insights into the subsurface 3D density distribution beneath the Aristarchus plateau, we performed a gravity inversion using high-resolution gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission. Our inversion results revealed a strong lateral density differentiation, with a large low-density structure likely correlated with the volcanic features observed at the surface. Some of the high-density anomalies close to the Cobra Head, a magma source, are associated with observable basaltic geology at the surface. Most of the low-density anomalies have multiple 'semi-ring' shapes, suggesting that they are remnants of crater rims as indicated by elevated terrains at the surface. We also distinguished another bimodal low-density body at the subsurface with an estimated density of 2400 kg/m3, and substantially lower than its surrounding crust density with an estimated displacement volume of at least 13000 km3. This plug may be an intrusive silicic pluton.

Original languageEnglish
Pages110-114
Number of pages5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event7th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics, ICEG 2023 - Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Oct 16 2023Oct 19 2023

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics, ICEG 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityAl Ain City
Period10/16/2310/19/23

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'EG24: A large low-density igneous pluton occurring beneath the Aristarchus plateau revealed by gravity inversion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this