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Magnetic Signature of Basalts in the Chang’e-5 Sample Region: Implications for the Lunar Dynamo
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  • Teng Hu,
  • Xiaojian Xu,
  • Shuo Yao,
  • Zhizhong Kang,
  • Xiaoyun Wan,
  • Carolyn H. van der Bogert,
  • Harald Hiesinger
Teng Hu
China University of Geosciences in Beijing
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Xiaojian Xu
China University of Geosciences in Beijing
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Shuo Yao
School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
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Zhizhong Kang
China University of Geosciences in Beijing

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Xiaoyun Wan
School of Land Science and Technology,China University of Geosciences(Beijing)
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Carolyn H. van der Bogert
Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität Münster
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Harald Hiesinger
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
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Abstract

In December 2020, Chang’e-5 returned samples from mare basalt unit Em4/P58 in northern Oceanus Procellarum. With an absolute model age of 1.21-1.53 Ga (Hiesinger et al. 2003; Qian et al., 2018, 2021a). Elevation analysis of the interior of Rima Sharp and Mairan, plus geomorphological observations suggest lava backfilling of Rima Sharp with younger lava from Rima Mairan. Analysis of the magnetic field at the surface also shows that the younger lava from the southern Mairan vents, which covered the southeastern part of Em4/P58 is unmagnetized. Our new magnetic anomaly analysis shows that Em4/P58 unit can be divided into magnetized (northwest) and unmagnetized (southeast) parts. The comprehensive analysis of magnetic anomaly and topography shows that lava from southern rille is likely to have reached the Chang’e-5 landing site. Samples returned by Chang’e-5 will help constrain the source of lava flow and the evolution of the lunar magnetic field over time.