Orientale Ejecta at the Apollo 14 Landing Site Implies a 200-million-year Stratigraphic Time Shift on the Moon

Abstract Detailed spectral mapping, cratering statistics, and impact basin ejecta column estimates document a new very different stratigraphic relationship for the Apollo 14 landing site. We observe resurfacing event in crater size–frequency distribution agreement with single blanketing layer. Using distribution, we determine two relative ages (cumulative frequencies) that match those observed Imbrium Orientale basins, respectively. The pattern strength of morphological distinction by features suggest top layer to be about 10–25 m thick. propose this at site is above ejecta. Such stratigraphy reattributes (majority of) samples rather than implies 3.92 Gyr old, 200 million years older previously suggested. youngest lunar thus formed onset, amid, recorded mare volcanism. This time shift also changes constraints on early planetary solar system processes, such as intensity bombardment, pleads revision crater-statistics-based surface other bodies.