Abstract
A detailed study of geochemical variation in the Undarum/Spumans/Balmer region identifies major rock components which form the region's regolith. The northern portion of the region contains numerous small mare deposits, which cluster in the Undarum and Spumans areas particularly. In the southern portion of the region lies the Balmer basin chemical anomaly, which correlates with extensive plains deposits. Regional maps of the orbital geochemical variables (Mg, Al, Fe, Ti, and Th) are examined individually, then correlated to one another and to the most recent geological map of the region. Results of the study indicate the presence of basalt components, which show considerable variation in character and which are correlated with both mare and plains features in a region otherwise dominated by ANT suite material. The northeastern area is the most characteristically anorthositic part of the region and mare plains deposits from this area have relatively anorthositic composition. A basalt intermediate in composition between mare basalt and Fra Mauro basalt is proposed as a probable component of the Balmer plains deposits. Southeastern Crisium basalts, and the parts of other mare deposits that are distributed along a structurally-related ring have a similar character. The major basalt deposits around the eastern part of Fecunditatis appear to have a different character. All deposits, particularly those in the northeastern area, appear to be mare basalt contiminated with ANT suite material from the surrounding highlands. In general, the surface geochemistry of the Undarum/Spumans/Balmer region is quite heterogeneous, showing a distinct north/south dichotomy.
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Clark, P.E., Hawke, B.R. The relationship between geology and geochemistry in the Undarum/Spumans/Balmer region of the Moon. Earth Moon Planet 38, 97–112 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00119678
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00119678