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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Lunar Regolith: Field Methods, Geoscience, and
Lunar Myths
David
Stone, P.G., P.E.
Technical Support Section, Remediation Division
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The lunar regolith was the object of the earliest direct exploration of the Moon. NASA probes from the Ranger and Surveyor programs collected data that supported the preparation for the manned landings of the Apollo program. Regolith data influenced the design of the Apollo Landing Module and Apollo astronaut training for surface excursions. The advance data also contributed to the development of Apollo field methods and sampling tools, while direct experience resulted in their subsequent evolution.
The lunar regolith provided innumerable individual samples from which unique geoscience has been gleaned. The finest-size fractions of the regolith comprise near-microscopic particles that include glass beads that were formed by surface impact melting and in lunar volcanic fire fountains. Scanning electron microscope and geochemical data abound for these particles, and a non-destructive method was developed for discriminating the origins of individual particles.
Various myths have existed regarding the Moon. These comprise the gamut from lunar composition to the Apollo “landing hoax.” Definitive geoscientific responses are provided.