Spectral diversity and compositional implications of Montes Haemus and Serenitatis/Tranquillitatis region on the moon from imaging spectroscopy data

Imaging spectroscopy data in the visible near infrared spectral range of the Serenitatis-Tranquillitatis region have been analyzed in order to identify the spectral and compositional units present in this area. The region studied includes also the Plinius and Dawes craters, MS-2 and Montes Haemus. Imaging spectroscopy technique allows a better discrimination of spectral differences compared with that attainable with traditional multiband spectroscopy, due to a greater spectral resolution and data volume. On the other hand, the application of appropriate statistical procedures to this new data set, provides reliable results which can improve the current knowledge of lunar surface. We report a classification of the basaltic units present in the region, based on an automated clustering procedure. The distribution and stratification of five spectrally distinct basaltic units with different TiO2 content and maturity has been defined. Basaltic material with different TiO2 content is widespread on Montes Haemus, south of Menelaus. The central Mare Tranquillitatis basalts overlay on a feldspatic crust which has been exposed by the Jansen B impact. The central peak and floor of crater Plinius show the same spectral character of the highlands, while Dawes and the surrounding small craters exhibit spectral features similar to the Mare Serenitatis basalts.