A lunar density model consistent with topographic, gravitational, librational, and seismic data

Abstract

Abstract.A

Planetary Seismology

“…As several tradeoffs exist between the size and density of these layers, the independent constraints from seismology can be added in order to limit the space of acceptable models. Interior structure inversions based on a priori seismic models were first performed by Bills and Ferrari (1977), using a preliminary seismic model, and later by Kuskov and Kronrod (1998) and Kuskov et al (2002), using Nakamura's (1983) seismic model. Kuskov and colleagues proposed either a pure g-Fe core with a density of 8100 kg m À3 and a radius of 350 km or a core with smaller densities and larger radius, including the largest troilite FeS core with a radius of 530 km and a density of 4700 kg m À3 .…”

The deep structure of lunar basins: Implications for basin formation and modification

“…Also, the interpretation of gravity data over a single basin requires that the investigator make subjective judgements about regional trends in the gravity data arising from structures outside the area of interest or occurring over wavelengths greater than the scale of the basin. In contrast, global models for lunar crustal structure [Wood, 1973;Bills and Ferrari, 1977a;Thurber and Solomon, 1978] calculated under uniform sets of constraints and assumptions permit an internally consistent assessment of structural variability on a regional scale. These global models were developed to address crustal structure at scales greater than the dimensions of most lunar basins, however, and with the exception of the study of Thurber and Solomon [1978], none considered mare basalt as a significant contributor to the observed gravity field.…”

Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach

“…• Tantalizing data that supported the presence of H deposits at the lunar poles (Nozette et al 1996;Feldman et al 1998) • Refinement of the pre-existing gravity model of Bills and Ferrari (1977) from Lunar Orbiter and Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellites on the basis of Clementine data (Zuber et al 1994;Lemoine et al 1997) • Evidence for three new large ''mascons'' (mass concentrations -Muller and Sjogren 1968;Melosh 1978) on the nearside of the Moon as well as partially resolving four mascons on the farside (Konopliv et al 1998(Konopliv et al , 2001). …”