Estimated thickness of a fragmental surface layer of Oceanus Procellarum
Abstract
Laboratory impact cratering studies have been used to analyze the relationship between the crater size and crater morphology observed on the Lunar Orbiter 1 photographs. The results indicate that the fragmental surface layer is of variable thickness in the area of the Surveyor 1 landing site on Oceanus Procellarum. It is estimated that in 85% of the area the fragmental cover is between 5 and 15 meters thick. The estimated modal thickness is in the 5- to 6-meter range, and the average thickness is from 8 to 9 meters. Differences are indicated in the average thickness between this region and other mare regions and between the maria and the highlands photographed by Orbiter 1. Such differences could have an age significance, implying that new rock surfaces on the moon have been formed at different times.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- September 1967
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JZ072i018p04697
- Bibcode:
- 1967JGR....72.4697O