Spectral and Multispectral Imaging Studies of Lunar Mantled Mare Deposits

Abstract

Near-IR reflectance spectra (0.6-2.5 m) and CCD images in the extended visible range (0.4-1.0 m) obtained wth earth-based teles- copes have been used to investigate the composition and origin of formations in the Schiller-Schickard region of the Moon. Of particular interest are the Schickard light plains, which represent an area of mantled mare basalt, or crypto,are. Here local pre- existing mare basalts were eroded and incorporated into a highlands- rich deposit by ejecta from the Orientale Basin. Spectral observa- tions of mature and inmature highland and mare surfaces, as well as dark-halo crater materials provide information on the mafic mineralogy of features in the area. Analyses of the "1 m" absorptionband and spectral mixing models indicate that selected spots in the light plains contain on the order of 50% mare basalt. CCD image cubescan be used to map the amount of basalt in the light plains and evaluate changes with radial distance from Orientale.