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Photogeology: Part A: relative ages of some near-side and far-side terra plains based on Apollo 16 metric photography

January 1, 1972

The materials of most light or terra plains predate the lunar maria and postdate the Imbrian event. In the vicinity of the Imbrium Basin, these materials have been called the Cayley Formation (ref. 29-3) but because of the subtle diversity of the terra plains over the near side, Whilhelms and McCauley (ref. 29-4) simply called these materials Imbrian plains (Ip). The age relationships between the light plains and the Fra Mauro Formation are of principal importance in placing the Apollo 14, 15, and 16 samples in a regional context and in understanding the transitional period between the enhanced cratering rate of pre-Imbrian time and the comparatively quiescent period of impact cratering since the generation of mare surfaces.

Publication Year 1972
Title Photogeology: Part A: relative ages of some near-side and far-side terra plains based on Apollo 16 metric photography
Authors Laurence A. Soderblom, Joseph M. Boyce
Publication Type Book Chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Series Number 315
Index ID 70042873
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Astrogeology Science Center