Volcanism and Deep Structures of the Moon

Abstract

Volcanism is the most important endogenic geological process of the Moon, which is closely related to its internal structure and thermal history. Lunar volcanism is one of the most important topics for lunar science and explorations. Recent lunar orbital observations, in situ explorations, and sample return missions have returned a new generation of high-resolution datasets, which greatly enriched our knowledge of lunar volcanism. Here, we summarize recent advances in the duration and spatial distribution of lunar mare volcanism, as well as origin of volcanic landforms such as lava flows, sinuous rilles, lava tubes, domes, and cones. We proposed several outstanding problems in the study of temporal and spatial span of lunar volcanism, the formation mechanism of the varied volcanic landforms, and their relation with deep structures. To solve these problems, more in situ explorations and sample return missions from various volcanic units are needed.