Retrieval of the bulk density of lunar subsurface layer from diurnal differences of Chang′E-2 microwave and LRO infrared brightness temperature data. Issue 4 (15th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Dan; Li, Qingxia; Lang, Liang; Xiao, Qunhua; Zheng, Yongchun
• Is Part Of: Advances in space research. Volume 56:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 725
• Page End: 735
• Publication Date: 2015-08-15
• Subjects: Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2015.05.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-1177

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="ab005"> <title id="st005">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="sp0005">Comparisons of microwave brightness temperature (TB) observed by Chang′E-1 and Chang′E-2 with FeO + TiO<sub>2</sub> content observed by Clementine indicate a correspondence of diurnal difference of microwave TB to FeO + TiO<sub>2</sub> content in distribution, especially for 37 GHz. The correlation of FeO + TiO<sub>2</sub> content and 37 GHz TB is discussed. Consequently, we choose the regions, e.g. (30°N, 25°W) in Mare Imbrium and (30°N, 55°W) in Oceanus Procellarum of uniform FeO + TiO<sub>2</sub> content for further studying the bulk density of lunar subsurface layer, avoiding the interference of FeO and TiO<sub>2</sub>. The lunar surface is regarded as a two-layer model. According to the infrared TB observed by LRO which is approximately equal to lunar surface temperature, it is found that the thermophysical properties of the lunar upper surface layer appear uniform for the sampled regions. In that way, distinct diurnal differences of microwave TB in both regions are related to the bulk density of lunar subsurface layer. A theoretical analysis based on a two-layer microwave TB model confirms the correlation between diurnal differences of microwave TB and bulk density of lunar subsurface layer. Finally, the bulk density of lunar subsurface layer is retrieved from microwave TB observed by Chang′E-2, ranging from 1.90 to 2.04 g/cm<sup>3</sup> for a profile at 33°N extending from 120°W to 6°E.</p> </sec> </abstract>