Indian research on the Moon is moving towards deep geological exploration rather than just surface-level research. The research, conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in collaboration with the Physical Research Laboratory, explores the implications of the formation of ancient rocks on the Moon and its internal structure. This research is based on processes that occurred billions of years ago with extreme pressure and temperature. The research will help prepare for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission by specifying landing areas and the sample composition that can be returned to Earth.
By Chandrayaan-4 Research IIT Kharagpur This explains how moon rocks first formed
According to the CSR Journal, the research looks at ilmenite-bearing cumulates, commonly known as IBCs. These rocks were formed about 4.3 to 4.4 billion years ago, at a time when there was a global magma ocean on the Moon’s surface. As the molten material cooled, heavier minerals slowly moved downwards into the interior, forming layers over time. These layers lie beneath the surface and represent the earliest stages of lunar evolution.To investigate this process, the researchers recreated similar conditions in a laboratory. As reported, the rock samples were exposed to pressures close to 3 gigapascals and temperatures above 1,500 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, partial melting produced material similar to the titanium-rich basalts that have already been observed on the Moon.
What are the main findings from the research?
The results show that magma formation depends on temperature. As the temperature increases, intermediate titanium-rich melts are formed and then transform into intermediate-Ti basalts through a more direct process.When the temperature decreases, the process takes a different path. The formation of high-titanium melts continues, increasing in titanium and decreasing in magnesium. Before reaching the surface they melt and mix with other rising magmas. This explains the differences in the composition of titanium-rich basalt samples obtained in previous lunar missions.
Magma movement shows moon’s interior more dynamic
Research shows that there is movement in the Moon’s interior, but there is no definite structure. It consists of molten material rising towards the surface, which is attributed to low pressure conditions, causing volcanic activities. At high pressure, this molten material moves downwards into deeper parts of the mantle.The continued movement of this molten material is known as mantle overturn, where there is both upward and downward movement of this material, indicating a system in which redistribution occurs.
What does this mean for Chandrayaan-4?
These results are also important for the mission planning of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Chandrayaan-4 mission will retrieve samples from the Moon and return them to Earth. For this, selection of landing sites is necessary.Understanding the formation and potential distribution of titanium-containing materials can help identify areas that are more scientifically valuable. Areas near the Moon’s south pole are considered for their surface features and the presence of target materials.
