Melt layers in the Moon and the composition of its core
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Earth Sciences
Abstract
Our solar system is composed of a diverse array of celestial bodies, each with its own unique evolutionary journey. This variety presents a significant challenge in the fields of Earth and planetary sciences. A major area of interest is the study of planetary interiors, which has progressed thanks to increasingly sophisticated remote-sensing technologies and direct measurements from various space missions. The wealth of data collected from these missions offers an unprecedented chance to delve deeper into the physical processes that shape planetary interiors.
Despite its proximity to Earth and the only celestial body visited by humans, the Moon's interior remains largely mysterious. Our understanding of its internal structure is still limited, but the upcoming lunar missions offer a chance to reexamine data from the Apollo program, including the seismometers left behind on the lunar surface. These instruments, along with other geodetic data, have led scientists to propose the existence of a molten layer deep within the Moon's mantle. If this is confirmed, it could dramatically alter our understanding of the Moon's current internal state and provide insights into its early magnetic field and dynamo.
The proposed project will focus on determining the properties of silicate and iron melts under high-pressure conditions that are expected to exist deep within the Moon's interior. The methodology will employ a combination of high-pressure experimental techniques, ab initio and thermodynamic modelling, and even machine learning approaches to develop a clearer picture of the Moon's deep interior. The data derived from these methods will be compared to observational data to refine our understanding of the Moon's core composition and assess the likelihood and nature of a deep melt layer within the lunar mantle.
This line of research is particularly timely, as there are several upcoming missions planned for the Moon, offering new opportunities for exploration. Among these missions is the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS), which is set to launch in 2024/25. This mission is designed to place two new seismometers on the far side of the Moon, significantly improving the detail and precision of our knowledge about the Moon's internal structure. The data collected by the FSS mission will help refine models of the Moon's internal structure. By integrating experimental data, computational models, and upcoming mission findings, this project will contribute to a more detailed understanding of the Moon's internal evolution. By combining insights from high-pressure experiments, modelling, and future lunar missions, this project will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Moon's internal evolution.
Understanding the Moon's internal structure is crucial not only for deepening our knowledge of its geology but also for enhancing our broader comprehension of planetary formation and evolution. The Moon serves as a vital reference point for other rocky bodies in the solar system, such as Mars and Mercury, which may exhibit similar internal processes. If confirmed, the discovery of a deep molten layer within the Moon would not only transform our understanding of its evolutionary history but could also suggest parallels for similar features in other terrestrial bodies.
As the next phase of lunar exploration approaches, with missions such as the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS) and others on the horizon, this research project is uniquely positioned to leverage forthcoming data. By integrating experimental methods, theoretical frameworks, and observational insights, it aims to address one of the most significant unresolved questions in planetary science: the composition and characteristics of the Moon's deep interior.
Despite its proximity to Earth and the only celestial body visited by humans, the Moon's interior remains largely mysterious. Our understanding of its internal structure is still limited, but the upcoming lunar missions offer a chance to reexamine data from the Apollo program, including the seismometers left behind on the lunar surface. These instruments, along with other geodetic data, have led scientists to propose the existence of a molten layer deep within the Moon's mantle. If this is confirmed, it could dramatically alter our understanding of the Moon's current internal state and provide insights into its early magnetic field and dynamo.
The proposed project will focus on determining the properties of silicate and iron melts under high-pressure conditions that are expected to exist deep within the Moon's interior. The methodology will employ a combination of high-pressure experimental techniques, ab initio and thermodynamic modelling, and even machine learning approaches to develop a clearer picture of the Moon's deep interior. The data derived from these methods will be compared to observational data to refine our understanding of the Moon's core composition and assess the likelihood and nature of a deep melt layer within the lunar mantle.
This line of research is particularly timely, as there are several upcoming missions planned for the Moon, offering new opportunities for exploration. Among these missions is the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS), which is set to launch in 2024/25. This mission is designed to place two new seismometers on the far side of the Moon, significantly improving the detail and precision of our knowledge about the Moon's internal structure. The data collected by the FSS mission will help refine models of the Moon's internal structure. By integrating experimental data, computational models, and upcoming mission findings, this project will contribute to a more detailed understanding of the Moon's internal evolution. By combining insights from high-pressure experiments, modelling, and future lunar missions, this project will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Moon's internal evolution.
Understanding the Moon's internal structure is crucial not only for deepening our knowledge of its geology but also for enhancing our broader comprehension of planetary formation and evolution. The Moon serves as a vital reference point for other rocky bodies in the solar system, such as Mars and Mercury, which may exhibit similar internal processes. If confirmed, the discovery of a deep molten layer within the Moon would not only transform our understanding of its evolutionary history but could also suggest parallels for similar features in other terrestrial bodies.
As the next phase of lunar exploration approaches, with missions such as the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS) and others on the horizon, this research project is uniquely positioned to leverage forthcoming data. By integrating experimental methods, theoretical frameworks, and observational insights, it aims to address one of the most significant unresolved questions in planetary science: the composition and characteristics of the Moon's deep interior.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Lidunka Vocadlo (Primary Supervisor) | |
Ry Affleck (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ST/Y509760/1 | 30/09/2023 | 30/09/2028 | |||
2925473 | Studentship | ST/Y509760/1 | 30/09/2024 | 29/09/2028 | Ry Affleck |