Evolution of Shock Melt Compositions in Lunar AgglutinatesLunar agglutinates are aggregates of regolith grains fused together in a glassy matrix of shock melt produced during smaller-scale (mostly micrometeorite) impacts. Agglutinate formation is a key space weathering process under which the optically-active component of nanophase metallic Fe (npFe(sup 0)) is added to the lunar regolith. Here we have used energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) compositional spectrum imaging in the SEM to quantify the chemical homogeneity of agglutinitic glass, correlate its homogeneity to its parent soil maturity, and identify the principle chemical components contributing to the shock melt compositional variations.
Document ID
20160003156
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Vance, A. M. (Beloit Coll. WI, United States)
Christoffersen, R. (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Keller, L. P. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
March 8, 2016
Publication Date
November 2, 2015
Subject Category
Inorganic, Organic And Physical ChemistryLunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-34569
Meeting Information
Meeting: Workshop on Space Weathering of Airless Bodies