Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

5-2-1973

Abstract

The azimuths between the centers of overlapping lunar craters show a statistically strong preferred orientation over most of the lunar globe for those crater pairs where the younger crater is of relatively small diameter (10-25 km). A strong north-south preferred lineation also exists in a narrow belt along the east and northern limb of the full moon for those crater pairs involving relatively large diameter craters (45 km). Various endogenic and exogenic mechanisms which might create a preferred orientation of overlapping craters are considered in the light of these findings. The preferred orientation of the smaller craters could result from the influence of an ancient lunar convection system while the lineation of large craters suggests volcano-tectonic features which developed in a zone of crustal tension around the perimeter of large global bulge on the earth-side of the moon.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Wolfgang Eugene Elston

Second Committee Member

Jonathan Ferris Callender

Third Committee Member

Klaus Keil

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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