Apollo 16 geochemical X-ray fluorescence experiment: Preliminary report

摘要

The lunar surface was mapped with respect to Mg, Al, and Si, as Al/Si and Mg/Si ratios along the projected ground tracks swept out by the orbiting Apollo 16 spacecraft. The results confirm the observations made during the Apollo 15 flight and provide data for a number of features not covered before. The data are consistent with the idea that the moon has a widespread differentiated crust (the highlands). The Al/Si and Mg/Si chemical ratios correspond to that for anorthositic gabbro through gabbroic anorthosites or feldspathic basalts. The X-ray results suggest the occurrence of this premare crust or material similar to it as the Descartes landing site.