From Schrödinger to Von Kármán: An Intriguing New Geological Structure Revealed by the Chang'e‐4 Lunar Penetrating Radar

Abstract Since early 2019, the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) onboard Chang'e‐4 (CE‐4)’s Yutu‐2 rover has been gathering data relating to the subsurface structure of the Von Kármán crater within the South Pole‐Aitken Basin (SPA) on the lunar farside. Low‐frequency radar data have the potential o...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical Research Letters
Main Authors: Huaqing Cao, Yi Xu, Luyuan Xu, Ling Zhang, Roberto Bugiolacchi, Feng Zhang
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023
Subjects:
the Moon
ground penetrating radar
Chang'e‐4 mission
impact ejecta
Schrödinger basin
Geophysics. Cosmic physics
QC801-809
South pole
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101413
https://doaj.org/article/f515b92de7bb4cd28cf8f4cb9f551976
Description
Summary:Abstract Since early 2019, the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) onboard Chang'e‐4 (CE‐4)’s Yutu‐2 rover has been gathering data relating to the subsurface structure of the Von Kármán crater within the South Pole‐Aitken Basin (SPA) on the lunar farside. Low‐frequency radar data have the potential of carrying geological information of about 300 m worth of strata below the traversed path. Forty‐two days’ data have revealed a bifurcated structure within the layered structure beneath the CE‐4 surveying area for the first time, affecting the overlying reflectors between 90 and 310 m. This study suggests that, based on the morphological characteristics, thickness, depth (timing sequence) and direction of the newly found structure, its origin might be linked to the deposition of ejecta from the Schrödinger impact. The local stratigraphy is interpreted as consisting of distinct geological layers, corresponding to the superposition of ejecta from different impact craters, paleo‐regolith, and basaltic lava flows.

Similar Items