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Lunar Seismology: the Internal Structure of the MoonThe direct P and S wave arrival times are the primary data set that can be measured on the seismograms of natural lunar seismic events. Polarization filtering techniques allow the enhancement of secondary body wave arrivals and record curves to identify the secondary phases and deduce structural information. Finally, shear wave amplitude vs. distance curves yield information on the location and magnitude of seismic velocity gradients in the interior. The results of these analyses show that the moon appears to have a two-layer crust at all four seismic stations: a 20 km upper crust that seems to be constant at all sites and a lower crust that is 40 km thick at stations 12 and 14 (mare), 55 + or - 10 km at station 16 (highland), and tentatively either 40 km or 70 km at station 15. The lower mantle extends from 480 km to at least 1100 km depth which is the maximum depth of penetration of all but a few seismic waves used as data. No definitive evidence for or against a lunar core exists.
Document ID
19790009611
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Thesis/Dissertation
Authors
Goins, N. R. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
September 30, 1978
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-151882
Report Number: NASA-CR-151882
Accession Number
79N17782
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7081
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-12334
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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