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Investigating Extraterrestrial Magmatic Processes: New Insights from the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Apollo Basalts.

Gawronska, Aleksandra J
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3470-1177
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami168123217243295

Abstract Details

2023, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Geology and Environmental Earth Science.
Basaltic magmatism is a fundamental process through which rocky objects across the Solar System differentiate and evolve. Basaltic partial melts generated within planetary mantles provide a record of the geologic evolution of mantle source regions, magma storage and ascent dynamics, and the processes through which primary and secondary crusts are established. In terrestrial basaltic systems, comprehensive macro- and microscale investigations that integrate the physical (e.g. crystal size and shape) and chemical (e.g. elemental stratigraphy) properties of crystals have often led to the identification of multiple, petrogenetically distinct crystal populations throughout one mineral phase. This has led to a so-called “paradigm shift” in the field of terrestrial igneous petrology: magmatic systems are “open” in nature. However, the extent to which open system processes exist on other rocky, differentiated planetary objects remains largely unconstrained. Thus, this work targets a suite of basaltic samples collected during the lunar Apollo missions, representing the only direct sampling of basaltic materials from spatially constrained locations on another inner Solar System object. Through a detailed textural, mineralogical, and geochemical investigation this work provides new insights into the emplacement of lava on the lunar surface and new constraints on the evolution of magmatic systems within (and on) the lunar crust. First, X-ray computed tomography (XCT) datasets from a lithologically diverse suite of Apollo basaltic rock chips captured and quantified lunar basalt petrofabrics in 3D. From study of mineral (e.g., ilmenite), and vesicle distributions, resulting textures were found to be broadly consistent with terrestrial pāhoehoe lava flow stratigraphy. Second, petrographic study and in-situ geochemical analysis of major and minor silicate phases in thin sections of the same samples indicated the presence of distinct crystal populations within multiple phases. This supports the occurrence of "open" magmatic system processes such as mixing and mafic recharge, similar to many terrestrial counterparts. Third, methods from the previous two studies were combined to evaluate the petrogenesis of the high-K, high-Ti Apollo 11 basalt suite. Results suggest that primary magmas incorporated K-rich material through interaction with a KREEPy component during the later stages of evolution. Overall, this work has advanced our understanding of the emplacement mechanisms through which planetary basaltic crusts are established and indicates that "open" magmatic system processes may occur in basaltic systems on other rocky bodies. Collectively, this provides a geological framework in which the evolution of other differentiated planetary objects which preserve evidence of basaltic volcanism should be considered.
Claire McLeod (Advisor)
Mark Krekeler (Committee Member)
Burcin Bayram (Other)
Barry Shaulis (Committee Member)
Elisabeth Widom (Committee Member)
314 p.
Geochemistry; Geology; Petrology
petrology; planetary science; magmatism; volcanism;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gawronska, A. J. (2023). Investigating Extraterrestrial Magmatic Processes: New Insights from the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Apollo Basalts. [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami168123217243295

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gawronska, Aleksandra. Investigating Extraterrestrial Magmatic Processes: New Insights from the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Apollo Basalts. 2023. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami168123217243295.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gawronska, Aleksandra. "Investigating Extraterrestrial Magmatic Processes: New Insights from the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Apollo Basalts." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami168123217243295

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami168123217243295
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.