Investigating the Moon with the Lunar Mapping and Modeling Portal

Investigating the

Moon with the

Lunar Mapping

and Modeling

Portal

Objectives

Become familiar with the LMMP tools

Learn how to use the tools to investigate questions about the Moon

Big Question

Was the Aristarchus Plateau formed by a shield volcano?

Hypotheses If the Aristarchus Plateau was

formed by a shield volcano, then we would expect to see evidence of many layers of lava

If the Aristarchus Plateau was formed by a shield volcano, then the shape of the plateau should resemble that of shield volcanoes on Earth

If the Aristarchus Plateau was formed by a shield volcano, then we would

expect to see evidence of many layers of lava

Does it meet the criteria?

Evaluation Criteria

Question can be answered using materials available in the time allotted.

Question focuses on specific features that can be observed using LMMP.

Question does not focus on HOW the feature formed.

Question includes observations or is similar to one of these: evidence, shape, similarities, differences, relationship, patterns, etc.

Question is not “why” or “how come.”

If the Aristarchus Plateau was formed by a shield volcano, then the shape of

the plateau would resemble that of shield volcanoes on Earth

Does it meet the criteria?

Evaluation Criteria

Question can be answered using materials available in the time allotted.

Question focuses on specific features that can be observed using LMMP.

Question does not focus on HOW the feature formed.

Question includes observations or is similar to one of these: evidence, shape, similarities, differences, relationship, patterns, etc.

Question is not “why” or “how come.”

What data can we use?

Possible datasets

Visible imagery (WAC mosaic)

Topography (LOLA DEM)

Chemistry (Clementine FeO and TiO2)

lmmp.nasa.gov

Browsing the Data

Navigating to Aristarchus

Zooming

Adding Layers

Adding Layers

Adding Layers

Adding Layers

Adding Layers

LOLA DEM

Toggling between layers

What features are seen on Aristarchus plateau?

Rilles

Craters of varying degrees of degradation

Pit craters

What does the chemistry data tell us about the composition

of the rocks in this area?

Testing Our Hypotheses