Chronologies and Isotopic Studies of FANs Several recent isotopic studies have shown the importance of FANs to our understanding of lunar petrogeny. Ga. This age range indicates a need for additional isotopic and geochronologic studies of FANs. These rocks are likely derived from differentiated plutons that were intruded into the nascent, FAN-rich, lunar crust after LMO crystallization. In an attempt to understand the distribution, character, and provenance of ostensible highlands material in the Procellarum basin, we picked through 2-10 mm fragments in soil 12001. We delineated 9 texturally pristine, coarse-grained samples and have studied their petrographic relationships and mineral chemistry.
CLS are unlike the more common lunar impact glass spherules in that they are partly crystalline.
Our studies suggest that these objects formed by impact-melting of at least 3 distinct, highland source regions on the Moon. Evidence provided by the CLS suggest that at least some meteoritic chondrules could have formed by impact-melting, although the rarity of CLS and ubiquity of chondrules suggests that impact processes on the Moon and asteroids differed in important ways. Lunar Resources We will be returning to the Moon within the near future, and it is imperative that we prepare now for establishment of a Lunar Base. It is the rocks and minerals and soils on the Moon that will be the basic raw materials for the settling and evolution of an autonomous manned lunar base. The unconsolidated nature of the lunar regolith makes it relatively easy to move, mine, and otherwise manipulate.