Spectral properties of lunar impact melt deposits from Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) data

Lunar impact melt deposits have unusual surface properties, unlike any measured terrestrial lava flow. Radar observations suggest that they are incredibly rough at decimeter scales, but appear smooth in high-resolution, meter-scale optical images. The cause of their roughness is unknown. In this work, we investigate the properties from seven lunar craters, ranging size 7.5 to 96 km diameter, an effort understand unique texture. We use data Reconnaissance Orbiter's (LRO) Mini-RF instrument characterize small-scale deposits, LRO Camera (LROC) morphology, and Chandrayaan-1's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) composition. This represents most comprehensive study composition completed date. particular, applied a customized spectral unmixing model M3 using laboratory spectra acquired range possible endmembers: pyroxene, olivine, fast-quenched glass simulants, melts breccias (both synthetic natural). found derived typically modeled as mix pyroxene and/or endmembers. Our results either crystalline pyroxene-rich rocks, or mixture glassy material minerals. latter interpretation could explain observed data, if surficial layer shatters during gardening produce scale blocks.