Geografie 1962, 67, 193-199

https://doi.org/10.37040/geografie1962067030193

Physiography of the Surface of the Moon

Konrád Beneš

Vysoká škola báňská, Ostrava, Czechia

In the present paper on the physiography of the Moon surface, the author describes the peculiarities of two main types of moon crust developed in the highlands and in the lowlands. The protosialic type of crust forms the original outer selenosphere. Its cover upon the surface of the Moon differs in thickness. This is especially important for the study of both opposite-lying polar areas. In some places the "protosial" is probably interrupted, and we must allow for manifestations of magmatic anatexis, assimilation, etc. The dusty layer of tuff origin occurs most probably on the Moon surface, however it may not be continuous and differs in thickness. The paper solves the problem of the origin of circular structures. At the same time a Czech selenological terminology is suggested. The origin of Mare Imbrium occured in several stages: 1) formation of large domatic structure, 2) breaking of the convex part and emanations of gas from the subcrustal basin, 3) breaking down of vault blocks and flooding of depressions with magmatic material, 4) congealation and gradual stabilization (Tab. 2a). The author also gives his opinion on the attempts at a geographical division of the visible part of Moon. He appreciates maps by R. Hackman and A. Mason dating from 1960. In his opinion it will be necessary to agree on some international criteria before we start working on the geography of the Moon, according to which physiographic districts and sections will be defined. Up to the present, also the question of the selenographic description of the so-called mare-ridges has been abandoned.