Explosive volcanic eruption at Lassell Massif: Implications for lunar silicic volcanism

Volcanism manifests as either calm effusive or violent explosive eruptions depending on the gas content of the atmosphere and water interactions. Explosive volcanic eruptions on the Moon are limited by the lack of atmosphere and water; however, recent remote sensing and numerical modeling results suggest that the Moon may have been wet in the past, and thus influenced the form of volcanic eruptions. Lunar morphology, spectral and gravity data are used in this work. Investigations of the topography, chemical composition, and subsurface structure of the Lassell Massif using an oxide content inversion model and a three-dimensional density inversion model reveal that explosive volcanic eruptions did in fact occur on the Moon. A negative ellipsoidal density anomaly with a value of ∼ − 230.5 kg/m³ was identified beneath the northern portion of the Lassell Massif, suggesting that it is a silicic magma chamber. Furthermore, an investigation of the topography and chemical composition of the area shows that magma was ejected to the south. This research provides suggestive insights into the possible presence of endogenic water or other volatile species are present on the Moon. In the future, locations associated with silicic volcanism will be the preferred targets for further lunar investigations of endogenous water.