U-Th-Pb systematics of selected samples from Apollo 17, Boulder 1, Station 2

The Moon
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Abstract

Nine U-Th-Pb whole-rock analyses of selected brecciated materials from sample 72215 and one analysis of a pigeonite basalt clast from 72275 are presented. Both samples are from Boulder 1, Apollo 17. These data supplement previous Boulder 1 U-Th-Pb analyses of samples 72275 and 72255. U and Th concentrations indicate that most of the samples contain a moderate to large KREEP component. Samples containing the least KREEP are a noritic clast (72255,49; Civet Cat clast) and an anorthositic clast (72275,117). Evidence for the migration of Pb from Pb-rich matrix material into relatively Pb-poor clasts is presented for two clasts.

Most of the Boulder 1 data define a linear trend that intersects concordia at ∼ 3.9 and 4.4 b.y. when plotted on a U-Pb concordia diagram. The presence of one anorthositic clast distinctly off this trend indicates that a simple two-stage U-Pb evolution history is inadequate to explain all the data. Accordingly physical significance is only attached to the lower concordia intercept age of 3.9–4.0 b.y. The older concordia intercept age of ∼ 4.4 b.y. is interpreted to reflect an averaging of events both older and younger than 4.4 b.y.

The data suggest that significant differentiation and/or metamorphism occurred ∼ 4.2 b.y. ago. The age of this event, however, is not accurately defined by these data.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title U-Th-Pb systematics of selected samples from Apollo 17, Boulder 1, Station 2
Series title The Moon
DOI 10.1007/BF00569676
Volume 14
Issue 3-4
Year Published 1975
Language English
Publisher Springer
Description 9 p.
First page 463
Last page 471
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