News Archive

It is thought that the early Moon was subjected to a large number of impact events during a period of time (~3.9 billion years ago) known as the Late Heavy Bombardment (LHB), sometimes referred to as the “Lunar Cataclysm”. The exact nature and timing of this process is disputed, and resolution relies on collection and interpretation of precise age data.

We have examined the microstructure and geochronology of zircon from lunar impact breccias collected during the Apollo 17 mission via optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence imaging, electron backscatter diffraction mapping and SHRIMP U-Pb dating. Our data shows that these zircon grains preserve both a microstructural and isotopic record of pre-3.9 Ga impact events on the Moon. An alternative explanation to LHB hypothesis is that the lunar impact history consisted of a series of intense bombardment episodes interspersed with relatively calm periods of low impact flux.

Dr Nick Timms, Applied Geology, Curtin University

Thursday September 8 @ 12pm
CMCA Seminar Room
ALL welcome - listen to some interesting research while you eat your lunch!