2010/08/19 by T. R. Watters, M. S. Robinson, R. A. Beyer +8 · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Planetary Science and Exploration #Astro and Planetary Science #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1189590
openalex publication_date 2010/08/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images reveal previously undetected lobate thrust-fault scarps and associated meter-scale secondary tectonic landforms that include narrow extensional troughs or graben, splay faults, and multiple low-relief terraces. Lobate scarps are among the youngest landforms on the Moon, based on their generally crisp appearance, lack of superposed large-diameter impact craters, and the existence of crosscut small-diameter impact craters. Identification of previously known scarps was limited to high-resolution Apollo Panoramic Camera images confined to the equatorial zone. Fourteen lobate scarps were identified, seven of which are at latitudes greater than +/-60 degrees, indicating that the thrust faults are globally distributed. This detection, coupled with the very young apparent age of the faults, suggests global late-stage contraction of the Moon.