Joy, KH;
(2007)
Studies in lunar geology and geochemistry using sample analysis and remote sensing measurements.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
Preview |
Text
Joy_thesis.pdf Download (76MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The thesis reports the results of an investigation into the geochemistry and petrology of lunar meteorites and synthesises this knowledge with research into the calibration and interpretation of lunar X-ray spectroscopy from the D-CIXS instrument. I present the mineralogy, bulk composition and petrography of two lunar regolith breccia meteorites (DaG 400 and MET 01210), and a launch paired group of mare basalt meteorites (LAP 02205/02224/02226/02436/03632). Individual sample geochemistry is interpreted and geological models proposed to account for the meteorites' formation histories and subsequent impact related processes. These are compared to previously studied Apollo, Luna and meteorite lunar samples in order to understand how these new samples fit within the context of existing theories of lunar evolution. I have also utilised currently available geochemical remote sensing datasets to try and constrain possible meteorite launch localities, thus relating the microscopic perspective of lunar geological processes from the sample collection back to the 'big-picture' of global remotely sensed datasets. I review the scientific findings of the UK-built D-CIXS X-ray spectrometer, which flew to the Moon on the SMART-1 mission between 2003 and 2006. I present an overview of the instrument and discuss various hardware and software problems the mission encountered. Results of laboratory calibration work and of theoretical X-ray fluorescence modelling are also presented. This thesis introduces the first detailed examination and interpretation of D-CIXS data recorded by the instrument during lunar science phase activities in 2005. These datasets focus on X-ray flux recorded during periods of strong solar activity (i.e. solar flare associated events), with particular attention to an observation of the lunar far-side feldspathic highlands and the South Pole-Aitkin Basin, which records an X-ray flux difference between the two lithological terrains indicative of a marked variation in surface composition. This work will help to lay the groundwork for understanding and interpreting data from the new C1XS instrument, which will fly to the Moon in 2008 aboard the Indian Chandrayaan-1 mission.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Studies in lunar geology and geochemistry using sample analysis and remote sensing measurements |
| Identifier: | PQ ETD:592939 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1445615 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
