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Volcanic Processes on the Moon

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Encyclopedia of Lunar Science

Synonyms

Basalt; Flood volcanism; Mare basalt; Silicic volcanism; Volcanic glass

Definition

An eruptive process whereby lava, gas, and potentially ash are deposited on the surface of the Moon from a magma chamber below the surface.

Basic Methodology

The scientific knowledge base of volcanism on the Moon is due to remote sensing studies and examinations of rock samples returned to Earth by the NASA Apollo missions in the 1970s as well as via meteorites that have been recovered on Earth. Remote sensing observations of past lunar volcanic episodes during the space age have provided information regarding both the composition and physical manifestation of lunar volcanism.

Volcanic samples have been recovered from each of the Apollo missions that landed on the lunar surface as well as the Luna missions and some lunar meteorites. Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17 landed in regions with extensive mare deposits. Apollo 16, however, landed in the anorthositic highlands, which do not have large mare...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geosciences and Natural Resources Department, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA

    Amy L. Fagan

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  1. Amy L. Fagan
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Correspondence to Amy L. Fagan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Prairie View A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA

    Brian Cudnik

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Fagan, A.L. (2016). Volcanic Processes on the Moon. In: Cudnik, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Lunar Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05546-6_1-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05546-6_1-2

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Volcanic Processes on the Moon
    Published:
    21 July 2016

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05546-6_1-2

  2. Original

    Volcanic and Impact Processes on the Moon
    Published:
    16 March 2015

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05546-6_1-1

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