The significance of multiscale analysis in the study of Copernican-aged tectonic features on the Moon
Abstract
Copernican-aged linear tectonic features on the Moon (including lobate scarps formed in compressional stresses and graben formed in extensional environment) has become a hot topic in lunar geology since the availability of new high-resolution imagery data obtained by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. These tectonic features are important in revealing the geological and thermal evolutionary history of the Moon. Based on the global distribution of Copernican-aged linear tectonic features on the Moon, we try to analyze the possible forming models for each of the features, testifying whether or not late-stage global contraction was the only mechanism in their formation and studying the effect of regional geological background on their formation. When building the global inventory of such features, we notice that many other linear features with pristine morphology do not form by tectonism, but they could not be easily distinguished. Such features would cause misidentification and thus inappropriate interpretation. Here we discuss the similarities and differences between Copernican-aged tectonic features and regolith ripples, impact melt flows, secondary crater chains, and lunar rilles to emphasize the importance of multiscale analysis in the study of Copernican-aged linear tectonic features on the Moon.
