Chang'E-5 samples reveal high water content in lunar minerals.

ABSTRACT: The formation and distribution of lunar surficial water remains ambiguous. Here, we show the prominence of water (OH/H₂O) attributed to solar wind implantation on the uppermost surface of olivine, plagioclase, and pyroxene grains from Chang'E-5 samples. The results of spectral and microstructural analyses indicate that solar wind-derived water is affected by exposure time, crystal structure, and mineral composition. Our estimate of a minimum of 170 ppm water content in lunar soils in the Chang'E-5 region is consistent with that reported by the Moon Minerology Mapper and Chang'E-5 lander. By comparing with remote sensing data and through lunar soil maturity analysis, the amount of water in Chang'E-5 provides a reference for the distribution of surficial water in middle latitude o

SUBMITTER: Zhou C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9464205 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature