Year: 2017
Type: review
Abstract: If properly interpreted, the impact record of the Moon, Earth's nearest neighbour, can be used to gain insights into how the Earth has been influenced by impacting events since its formation ~4.5 billion years (Ga) ago. However, the nature and timing of the lunar impactors - and indeed the lunar impact record itself - are not well understood. Of particular interest are the ages of lunar impact basins and what they tell us about the proposed "lunar cataclysm" and/or the late heavy bombardment (LHB), and how this impact episode may have affected early life on Earth or other planets. Investigations of the lunar impactor population over time have been undertaken and include analyses of orbital data and images; lunar, terrestrial, and other planetary sample data; and dynamical modelling. Here, the existing information regarding the nature of the lunar impact record is reviewed and new interpretations are presented. Importantly, it is demonstrated that most evidence supports a prolonged lunar (and thus, terrestrial) bombardment from ~4.2 to 3.4 Ga and not a cataclysmic spike at ~3.9 Ga. Implications for the conditions required for the origin of life are addressed.
Author: Nicolle E. B. Zellner
Institution: Albion College
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Space and Planetary Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,520
Awards: RUI: Using Lunar Impact Glasses as Tools for Investigating Solar System Processes, THE MOON PROVIDES THE MOST CLEAR AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF IMPACT EVENTS IN THE INNER SOLAR SYSTEM SINCE ITS FORMATION ~4.5 BILLION YEARS (GY) AGO. SIN, Understanding Impact Events in the Earth-Moon System, WE PROPOSE TO DEVELOP A THREE-DIMENSIONAL REGOLITH EVOLUTION MODEL IN ORDER TO INVESTIGATE AGE BIASES IN POST-IMBRIAN SAMPLES OF THE LUNAR REGOLITH.
OpenAlex ID: W2609827387