{"id":4843,"date":"2021-08-01T18:29:02","date_gmt":"2021-08-01T22:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/?page_id=4843"},"modified":"2026-03-15T00:32:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T04:32:44","slug":"h-section-8-the-regolith-of-taurus-littrow","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/1-apollo-17-diary-of-the-12th-man\/b-chapters-10-18\/h-section-8-the-regolith-of-taurus-littrow\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 13 – History in the Dust – Contents"},"content":{"rendered":"

History in the Dust<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This chapter chronicles the technical analyses and interpretations, both geochemical and geological, by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt of the observations and samples from the surface of Taurus-Littrow<\/em> obtained during the three days he spent on the Moon in December, 1972 as a member of the Apollo 17 crew.<\/p>\n

A reminder to readers: in the main text linked in the below sections, there are five types of links\u2014one each for Fig. nos., Table nos.; author citations (by year of publication); section nos.; and DOI, World catalog, or other journal type links in the Endnotes. All links are blue-underlined. For the first 3 types, when the reader clicks on the link and goes to the item, return to the reading place is effected by clicking on the back-arrow at the top left corner of the WordPress display. However, for section nos. (preceded by \u00a7) and for journal citations in the Endnotes, the links open in an upper, separate tab(window). When finished perusing the section no. or the journal abstract, the original reading place is in the original window(tab). The separately opened tab(window) can be closed when the reader is finished to avoid accumulating many open tabs(windows) across the display screen. Small up or down arrows at the end of Fig. or Table no. links remind the reader that the given item is located earlier or later in text. If a Fig. or Table number citation in text is close to the item itself, there is no need for a link.<\/p>\n

Table of Contents<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Section 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Regolith of Taurus-Littrow: Strata, Source Craters, Ages and Implications<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Preface<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Major Findings<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Summary of the 13 major findings resulting from the synthesis of data related to the observations and samples of regolith in the valley of Taurus-Littrow<\/em>.<\/p>\n

1.0 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

General review of the sources of data related to this synthesis.<\/p>\n

1.1 General Nature of Lunar Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2.0 Error Limits Related to Taurus-Littrow<\/em> Data Synthesis<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.0 Apollo 17 Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Definition and analysis of the 11 regolith ejecta zones (strata) in the 2.85 m long deep drill core and their source impact craters based on half-cm log of the core and ejecta zone lithologies.<\/p>\n

3.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.2 Deep Drill Core Maturity Indices and Regolith Ejecta Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.2.1 Agglutinate Formation in Relation to Is\/FeO Maturity Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.3 Regolith Transport After Large Impacts in Lunar Gravity and Vacuum<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.4 Source Craters for Regolith Ejecta in Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.4.1 Lara Crater as Possible Source Crater<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.4.2 Possible Source Craters on the Massifs<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.4.3 Reach of Each Source Crater\u2019s Regolith Ejecta<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.4.4 Summary<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

4.0 Process Sequence that Forms Inter-Crater Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Details on the processes that formed the Taurus-Littrow<\/em> regolith, including partial reset of Is\/FeO values by impact shock and heat, as represented in the deep drill core and other Taurus-Littrow regolith samples.<\/p>\n

4.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

4.2 Impact Shock Partial Resets of Is\/FeO Values<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

4.3 Summary of Detailed Is\/FeO Log of Apollo 17 Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

5.0 Petrography and Composition of Deep Drill Core Regolith Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Detailed compositional modeling of the regolith ejecta zones in the deep drill core in relation to the geological context and nature of regolith at the site of a zone\u2019s source crater.<\/p>\n

5.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

5.2 Compositional Modeling of Source Regolith for Deep Drill Core Regolith Ejecta Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.0 \u0394Is\/FeO-Based Ages of Source Crater Impacts and Zone Deposition<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Calculation of \u2206Is\/FeO \/ Myr values for alpha+beta and solar proton additions to regolith Is\/FeO and preliminary \u2206Is\/FeO-based exposure age dating of the source craters related to each regolith ejecta zone in the deep drill core, including an analysis of related nitrogen isotopic fractionation data.<\/p>\n

6.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.2 Nitrogen Isotopic Ratios in the Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.2.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.2.2 Detailed Relationships Between \u2206Is\/FeO and \u03b415N\u2030 in the Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.2.3 Second Change in the Energy of the Solar Wind Late in Lunar History<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.3 Solar Proton and Uranium+Thorium Alpha+Beta Decay Particles Contributions to \u2206Is\/FeO \/ Myr<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.3.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.3.2 Alpha+Beta-only \u2206Is\/FeO \/ Myr<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.3.3 Solar Proton-only \u2206Is\/FeO \/ Myr<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.3.4 Regolith Particle Patinas Possible Role in Attenuation of Proton-only \u2206Is\/FeO<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.4 \u2206Is\/FeO Derived Exposure and Deposition Ages for Deep Drill Core Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.4.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.4.2 Evaluation of Deep Drill Core Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.4.3 Potential Fractionation of Light Isotopes of Noble Gas Spallation Products during Regolith Maturation<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.4.4 Depth Corrections for Post-Burial Additions to Apparent Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

7.0 Ilmenite and Volcanic Ash Attenuation of Nano-Phase Iron Formation During Regolith Maturation<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Final \u2206Is\/FeO-based exposure age dating of the source craters related to each regolith ejecta zone in the deep drill core, as adjusted for Is\/FeO attenuation by volcanic glass and ilmenite.<\/p>\n

7.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

7.2 Ilmenite Attenuation of Nano-Phase Iron Formation<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

7.3 Pyroclastic Ash Attenuation of Nano-Phase Iron Formation and Corrected Deep Drill Core Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

8.0 Comparison of Deep Drill Core Zone, Is\/FeO-based Exposure Ages with Integrated Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Analysis of the contrast between \u2206Is\/FeO-based exposure ages and cosmic ray exposure values.<\/p>\n

9.0 Rate of Impact Is\/FeO Resets Recorded in Deep Drill Core and Apollo 17 Neutron Probe Stratigraphic Interpretation of Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

9.1 Rate of Impact Is\/FeO Resets<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

9.2 Apollo 17 Neutron Probe Stratigraphic Interpretation of Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.0 Geology and Maturation of Orange+Black Ash at Shorty Crater<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Detailed synthesis of observations and data related to the orange+black ash at Shorty<\/em> Crater<\/em>, in particular, as related to the core 74001\/2 from this nearly pristine pyroclastic ash deposit.<\/p>\n

10.1 Geological Context of the Orange+Black Ash Deposit<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.2 Regolith Development on Ash Deposits<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.3 Deposition Ages of Orange+Black Ash Deposit<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.4 Pyroclastic Record of the Decline of the Ancient Lunar Magnetic Field<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.5 Primordial \u03b415N\u2030 for the Moon<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.6 Very Low Titanium (VLT) Ash Eruptions<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

11.0 Light Gray Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Geology and implications of the light gray regolith ejecta deposit that protected the orange+black ash in situ<\/em> for ~3.5 billion years.<\/p>\n

11.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

11.2 Inconsistency Between Cosmic Ray Ages and Is\/FeO Values<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

12.0 Lunar History in Nitrogen Isotopic Data from Shorty Crater<\/em> Pyroclastic Ash and Light Gray Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

13.0 Solar and Lunar History in Regolith and Regolith Breccias at Van Serg Crater<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

13.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

13.2 Regolith Ejecta Sequence at Van Serg Crater<\/em> and its Correlation with Deep Drill Core Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

13.3 Deposition Age Estimates for Regoiith Ejecta Zones Sampled at Van Serg Crater<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

13.4 Solar History in Nitrogen Isotopes at Van Serg Crater<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

14.0 Nitrogen Isotopes Implications Relative to Solar History<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Implications of variations in the values of \u03b415N\u2030 (14N\/15N ratio) as related to the composition of the solar wind over time.<\/p>\n

15.0 Source Crater Ages Versus Diameter to Depth Ratios<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

16.0 Average Frequency of Large, Proton-Only Increases in \u2206Is\/FeO In the Half-Cm Record of the Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.0 Geology of the Light Mantle Avalanche Deposits<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Analysis of the geology and ages of three South Massif<\/em> avalanche deposits that make up the light mantle unit in Taurus-Littrow<\/em>.<\/p>\n

17.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.2 General Relationships<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.3 Light Mantle Avalanche Dynamics<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.4 Deposition Age of the Young Light Mantle<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.5 Stratigraphy of Light Mantles in Core 73001\/2<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.6 Stratigraphic Data in Core 73001\/2<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.7 Deposition Age of the Old Light Mantle<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.8 Age of the Ancient Light Mantle Avalanche<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.9 Summary of the Detailed Is\/FeO Log of Double Drive Tube Core 73001\/2<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.10 Regolith Accumulation on the South Massif<\/em> Slope<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.11 Basaltic Regolith and Pyroclastic Ash Ejecta Deposition on the South Massif<\/em> Slope<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.12 Relationships of Station 3 Trench Samples to Core 73001\/2<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

17.13 Lee-Lincoln<\/em> Thrust Fault Activity Triggers for Light Mantle Avalanches<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

18.0 Thermoluminescence of Taurus-Littrow<\/em> Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Geological interpretations of thermoluminescence values in Station 6 regolith and the deep drill core.<\/p>\n

18.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

18.2 Continuously Shaded Regolith Sample 76240<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

18.3 Periodically Shaded Regolith Samples 72220 and 72320<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

18.4 Buried Zones in the Deep Drill Core<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

19.0 Regolith Core 76001 from North Massif<\/em> Station 6<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Geological history of North Massif<\/em> slope regolith.<\/p>\n

19.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

19.2 Petrographic, Petrological and Maturation Variables in Core 76001<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

19.3 Exposure Age Considerations Related to Core 76001<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

20.0 Orange+Black and VLT Ash Distribution in North Massif<\/em> Slope Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

21.0 Boulder Tracks in Massif Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

21.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

21.2 Longevity of Massif Boulder Tracks<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

22.0 Age of Imbrium Basin<\/em>-Forming Impact Between 3.850 and 3.795 Ga<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

23.0 Dark Mantle Dilution of Light Mantle Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

24.0 \u2206Is\/FeO \/ Myr Considerations Related to Station 1 Samples<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

25.0 Lithoclastic Debris Erupted Prior to Basalt Eruption<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Evidence for pre-mare basalt eruption of lithoclastic debris due to release of volatiles as heat accumulation in the upper mantle approached partial melting.<\/p>\n

25.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

25.2 Presence of Lithoclastic Debris in North Massif<\/em> Slope Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

25.3 Summary<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

26.0 Volatile Concentrations in Bulk Regolith vs. Regolith Breccias<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.0 Symplectites in Dunite 72415 and Troctolite 76535<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Pressure release origin for symplectites, as evidence for a Procellarum<\/em> basin-forming impact at ~<\/strong>4.35 Ga.<\/p>\n

27.1 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.2 Lunar Symplectite Petrogenesis<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.3 Norwegian Basal Gneiss Region Symplectite Analogs<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.4 Procellarum Basin<\/em>-forming Impact<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

27.5 Summary<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

28.0 Fractional Crystallization of Station 1 Ilmenite Basalt<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

29.0 Conclusion of the Taurus-Littrow<\/em> Synthesis<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

29.1 Findings:<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Deep Drill Core Stratigraphy<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Regolith Ejecta Excavation and Transport<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Post-Deposition Modification of Regolith Ejecta Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Geological Sources of Regolith Ejecta Zones<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Maturity Index (Is\/FeO)-Based Exposure Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Evaluation of Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Thickness of Taurus-Littrow<\/em> Valley Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Ilmenite Basalt and Orange+Black Pyroclastic Ash<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Light Gray Regolith Covering Pyroclastic Ash<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

History of the Sun<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Light Mantle Deposits<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Thermoluminescence of Taurus-Littrow<\/em> Regolith<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Age of Imbrium<\/em> Basin<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Pre-Basalt Lithoclastic Debris<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Procellarum<\/em> Impact Induced Overturn<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Fractional Crystallization of Ilmenite Basalt Lava<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Section 1:<\/strong> ENDNOTES<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212\u2212<\/strong><\/p>\n

Section 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Origin of Life<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Potential catalytic role of phyllosilicates in <\/strong>pre-biotic organic synthesis<\/strong>
\n(Adapted and updated from Schmitt, 2015)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

1.0 Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2.0 Incipient Life<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3.0 Early Earth\u2019s Surface<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

4.0 Early Earth\u2019s Atmosphere<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

5.0 Earth\u2019s Surface Temperature<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6.0 Earth\u2019s Magnetic Field <\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

7.0 Phyllosilicates\u2019 Potential Pre-Biotic Role<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

8.0 Genesis of The First Pre-Biotic Macromolecules<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a08.1 Indigenous Pre-Biotic Chemicals<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a08.2 Exogenously Introduced Pre-Biotic Chemicals<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

9.0 Phyllosilicates as Catalysts<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10.0 The Paths to RNA and DNA<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

11.0 Additional Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

12.0 Summary<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Acknowledgements<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Section 2:<\/strong> ENDNOTES<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Appendix A<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix B<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Appendix C<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix D<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix E<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix F<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix G<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix H<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix I<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Apenndix J<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Copyright \u00a9 by Harrison H. Schmitt, 2026. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

History in the Dust This chapter chronicles the technical analyses and interpretations, both geochemical and geological, by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt of the observations and samples from the surface of Taurus-Littrow obtained during the three days he spent on the Moon in December, 1972 as a member of the Apollo 17 crew. A reminder to … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Chapter 13 – History in the Dust – Contents”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":3341,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4843","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P9bNBl-1g7","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4843"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4843\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7658,"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4843\/revisions\/7658"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colinmackellar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}