Regional geological characteristics and evolution of the pre-selected landing area of the Chang’e-6 probe

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.12.29

Abstract

Abstract:

The Apollo Basin is the impact basin with the deepest excavation depth and the largest diameter among the lunar South Pole-Aiken Basin (SPA). It is the pre-selected landing area for the Chang’e-6 mission to carry out sampling and return operations on the far-side of the moon in 2024. Studying the geological characteristics and evolution of this region is of great significance for understanding a series of lunar scientific issues such as the structure and composition of the lunar crust and mantle, the formation and evolution of the SPA tectonic zone, as well as the gravity anomalies of the SPA Basin. This study investigates the topographic and geomorphological characteristics, petrological features, and structural elements of the Apollo Basin and its adjacent areas based on multi-source remote sensing data and utilizing GIS as a technical platform. By re-dividing the basalt units within the Apollo Basin and applying the crater size-frequency dating method alongside the updated lunar age function model, we determined the absolute model ages of the mare basalt units. Furthermore, this study clarifies the evolutionary history of regional geological structures and analyzes the thermal evolution model of regional volcanic activity, providing valuable insights for future research related to the Chang’e-6 lunar probe sample return mission. The key findings are as follows: The exposed rocks in the study area primarily consist of ferrous anorthositic suite, ferrous noritic suite, and mare basalts, with scattered occurrences of pure anorthosite and igneous clastic rocks. The absolute model ages of the mare basalt units within the Apollo Basin range from 3.47 to 2.57 Ga. The study area contains 127 crater floor faults and 14 volcanic vents, which serve as significant structural indicators of regional thermal evolution. The region has experienced three major impact events, leading to the formation of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, Apollo Basin, and Oppenheimer Basin. Volcanic activity in the area persisted from the Late Imbrium to the Eratosthenian period, with at least two distinct episodes of basaltic eruptions.

Key words: Moon, Apollo Basin, Chang’e-6 probe, evolution of regional geology

CLC Number:

P184.62

LIU Liwei, HAN Kunying, DING Xiaozhong, JIN Ming, PANG Jianfeng, WANG Ying, SHAO Tianrui. Regional geological characteristics and evolution of the pre-selected landing area of the Chang’e-6 probe[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(2): 332-345.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig.1 Regional location map of the study area

Fig.2 Topography and lunar crust structure of the study area

Fig.3 Rock types in the Apollo Basin and adjacent areas

Fig.4 Division of lunar mare basalt units in the Apollo Basin

Fig.5 Chronology of lunar mare basalts

Fig.6 Distribution characteristics of basins and impact craters in the study area

Fig.7 Tectonic interpretation of the Apollo Basin

Fig.8 Volcanic activity patterns in the Apollo Basin

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