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 language | English |
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Pages | 110-114 |
Number of pages | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Event | 7th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics, ICEG 2023 - Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates Duration: Oct 16 2023 → Oct 19 2023 |
Conference
Conference | 7th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics, ICEG 2023 |
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Country/Territory | United Arab Emirates |
City | Al Ain City |
Period | 10/16/23 → 10/19/23 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geophysics