Geological characteristics and evolution of the Schrödinger basin and adjacent areas: Insights from multi-source remote sensing data

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.9.11

Abstract

Abstract:

The Schrödinger basin is a typical lunar peak-ring basin formed in the Late Imbran with well-preserved, relatively complete basin structure. It is located at the transition zone between the floor and the southwestern rim of the South Pole-Aiken basin on the far side of the Moon. Insights into the geological evolution of the Schrödinger basin can help to better understand the evolution of the peak-ring basins in general. In this paper, using multi-source remote sensing data, combined with previous research results, we created an 1∶2500000 geological map of the Schrödinger basin and adjacent area and performed comprehensive geological analysis to investigate the basin’s topographic features, lithologic distribution characteristics, structural features, and evolution. Based on the state-of-art remote sensing data and newly updated crater size-frequency distribution we determined the extent of basalt units in the basin and obtained more accurate ages for the basalt units; besides, we identified additional structural features of the study area and developed a more comprehensive view on the regional geological evolution compared to previous studies. According to our analysis, the main rock types in the Schrödinger basin were ferroan anorthosite suite, ferroan norite suite, and magnesian anorthosite suite, along with sporadically distributed basalts, anorthosite, olivine-rich outcrops, and pyroclastic deposits. The absolute model ages of two mare basalt units were 3.26 and 3.36 Ga, respectively, indicating they belong to the Upper Imbrian strata. There were nine structural styles identified in the study area, among which crater-floor fractures, mascon, and volcanic vent might have gradually formed, post depositional, during gravitational equilibrium. We concluded that the formation of the Schrödinger basin could be divided into three stages: pre-impact, basin forming, and post-depositional reconstruction.

Key words: Schrödinger basin, evolution of regional geology, multi-source remote sensing data fusion

CLC Number:

P184.62

WANG Ying, DING Xiaozhong, HAN Kunying, CHEN Jian, LIU Jingwen, LU Tianqi, WANG Juntao, SHI Chenglong, JIN Ming, PANG Jianfeng. Geological characteristics and evolution of the Schrödinger basin and adjacent areas: Insights from multi-source remote sensing data[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2023, 30(4): 525-538.

Figures/Tables 9

Fig.1 Satellite image of the South Pole-Aitken region showing the surface features of the lunar peak-ring basins

Fig.2 1∶2500000 geological map of the Schrödinger basin and adjacent areas

Fig.3 WAC image of the Schrödinger basin

Fig.4 Topographic features of the Schrödinger basin

Fig.5 Lithological map of the Schrödinger basin and adjacent area

Fig.6 Distribution of basalt units in the Schrödinger basin (a, b) and the dating results (c, d)

Fig.7 Interpreted linear structures in the Schrödinger basin

Fig.8 Interpreted circular structures in the Schrödinger basin

Fig.9 Schematic diagram describing the formation and evolution of the Schrödinger basin

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