Origin of Surface Features of the Moon,
Abstract
The usual lava-pool hypothesis of lunar tectonics seem incompatible with numerous features of the lunar surface, in addition to leaving other features unexplained. The lunar-body hypothesis, on the other hand, does not encounter similar difficulties and it provides simple explanations for many hitherto puzzling characteristics of the lunar surface. A simple calculation combining the Hertz theory of elastic contact with the Griffith biaxial theory of fracture explains the flatness of the crater floor, and the terraced wall; the polygonal shape of the identation craters and the tangential rays around them are inertia effects due to the near-sonic velocity of crack propagation. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0775086
Entities
People
- E. Orowan
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology