Geophysics and lunar resources

Information about the physical properties of the lunar surface obtained in connection with the Apollo program provides an important basis for evaluating the role which geophysical methods will play in the context of the establishment of a lunar base and the resulting opportunity for exploration. The application of geohysical methods to lunar resource studies is discussed, taking into account the suitability of a use of electromagnetic methods, since the moon is quite transparent to most electromagnetic signals in a manner entirely different from most terrestrial environments. In the absence of a lunar magnetic field corresponding to that of the earth, conditions for lunar magnetic mapping are also different from those found on earth. Attention is also given to the use of seismic methods for assessing the character of the regolith, and the employment of gravity methods for exploring the character of basaltic rocks.