Journal article
Redistribution of lunar polar water to mid-latitudes and its role in forming an OH veneer
Planetary and space science, Vol.89, pp.15-20
12/2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2013.05.009
Abstract
We suggest that energization processes like ion sputtering and impact vaporization can eject/release polar water molecules residing within cold trapped regions with sufficient velocity to allow their redistribution to mid-latitudes. We consider the possibility that these polar-ejected molecules can contribution to the water/OH veneer observed as a 3μm IR absorption feature at mid-latitudes by Chandrayaan-1, Cassini, and EPOXI. We find this source cannot fully account for the observed IR feature, but could be a low intensity additional source.
•Lunar polar craters are special low-temperature environments that trap volatiles.•Water molecules can be released from crater floors via weathering processes.•A portion of this escaping water transported to mid-latitudes.•Escaping water not enough to account for the IR observations of surficial OH.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Redistribution of lunar polar water to mid-latitudes and its role in forming an OH veneer
- Creators
- W.M Farrell - Goddard Space Flight CenterD.M Hurley - NASA Lunar Science InstituteR.R Hodges - University of Colorado BoulderR.M Killen - Goddard Space Flight CenterJ.S Halekas - University of California, BerkeleyM.I Zimmerman - Oak Ridge Associated UniversitiesG.T Delory - University of California, Berkeley
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Planetary and space science, Vol.89, pp.15-20
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.pss.2013.05.009
- ISSN
- 0032-0633
- eISSN
- 1873-5088
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/2013
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984199839402771
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