Primeval displacements of the lunar pole |
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| Authors: | SK Runcorn |
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| Institution: | Institute of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, School of Physics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU Gt. Britain |
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| Abstract: | The hypothesis that the magnetic field which magnetized the lunar crust was generated by the dynamo process in a small fluid iron core can now be tested. Because the Coriolis force was a dominant term in the equations of motion in this core, the mean lunar field was aligned along the ancient axis of rotation. From Hood's modelling of the magnetic anomalies in the lunar crust, mapped by the Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellites, the palaeo-directions of this field have been determined. From them, palaeopole positions have been determined and are found to be grouped with respect to age. The palaeoequators corresponding to ages 4 Ga and 3.85 Ga show close relationships with the circular maria or mascons on the near side and multi-ring basins of corresponding age on the far side. The polar displacements indicated from lunar palaeomagnetism can be explained by the changes in the moment of inertia tensor consequent on the excavation and later flooding of these circular mare. Small moons in the primeval Earth-Moon system are inferred to be the impacting bodies. |
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