Experimental Studies on the Formation of Lunar Surface Features by Fluidization

Research Article| September 01, 1970 Experimental Studies on the Formation of Lunar Surface Features by Fluidization S. A SCHUMM S. A SCHUMM Department of Geology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1970) 81 (9): 2539–2552. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1970)81[2539:ESOTFO]2.0.CO;2 Article history received: 28 Jan 1970 rev-recd: 28 Apr 1970 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation S. A SCHUMM; Experimental Studies on the Formation of Lunar Surface Features by Fluidization. GSA Bulletin 1970;; 81 (9): 2539–2552. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1970)81[2539:ESOTFO]2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the type of landforms that develop, when varying thicknesses of granular material are fluidized by emission of gas from vents of differing size and pattern. Two types of craters formed above single vents, explosion craters with steep sides and little or no floor, and fluidization craters with low rims and flat floors. Crater chains form above multiple vents.Coalescence of craters above a series of vents or emission of gas along a linear or sinuous vent produces a fluidization trough. Within the trough fluidized granular material migrates from areas of thick to thin material, as well as downslope. The result is a channel with a well-defined head that decreases in depth away from the head. A comparison of the experimental results with selected lunar topographic features permits the tentative conclusion that some lunar craters, crater chains, crater clusters, and rilles are of endogenic origin. These features probably formed by fluidization of the lunar regolith during emission of gas along fractures. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.