A changing thermal regime revealed from shallow to deep basalt source melting in the Moon

Yash Srivastava, Amit Basu Sarbadhikari (), James M. D. Day, Akira Yamaguchi and Atsushi Takenouchi
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Yash Srivastava: Physical Research Laboratory
Amit Basu Sarbadhikari: Physical Research Laboratory
James M. D. Day: University of California San Diego
Akira Yamaguchi: National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR)
Atsushi Takenouchi: National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR)

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Sample return missions have provided the basis for understanding the thermochemical evolution of the Moon. Mare basalt sources are likely to have originated from partial melting of lunar magma ocean cumulates after solidification from an initially molten state. Some of the Apollo mare basalts show evidence for the presence in their source of a late-stage radiogenic heat-producing incompatible element-rich layer, known for its enrichment in potassium, rare-earth elements, and phosphorus (KREEP). Here we show the most depleted lunar meteorite, Asuka-881757, and associated mare basalts, represent ancient (~3.9 Ga) partial melts of KREEP-free Fe-rich mantle. Petrological modeling demonstrates that these basalts were generated at lower temperatures and shallower depths than typical Apollo mare basalts. Calculated mantle potential temperatures of these rocks suggest a relatively cooler mantle source and lower surface heat flow than those associated with later-erupted mare basalts, suggesting a fundamental shift in melting regime in the Moon from ~3.9 to ~3.3 Ga.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35260-y

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