Self-Organization Characteristics of Lunar Regolith Inferred by Yutu-2 Lunar Penetrating Radar

Most previous studies tend to simplify the lunar regolith as a homogeneous medium. However, the lunar regolith is not completely homogeneous, because there are weak reflections from the lunar regolith layer. In this study, we examined the weak heterogeneity of the lunar regolith layer using a self-organization model by matching the reflection pattern of both the lunar regolith layer and the top of the ejecta layer. After a series of numerical experiments, synthetic results show great consistency with the observed Chang'E-4 lunar penetrating radar data and provide some constraints on the range of controlling parameters of the exponential self-organization model. The root mean square permittivity perturbation is estimated to be about 3% and the correlation distance is about 5-10 cm. Additionally, the upper layer of ejecta has about 1-2 rocks per square meter, and the rock diameter is about 20-30 cm. These parameters are helpful for further study of structural characteristics and the evolution process of the lunar regolith. The relatively small correlation distance and root mean square perturbation in the regolith indicate that the regolith is mature. The weak reflections within the regolith are more likely to be due to structural changes rather than material composition changes.

Automated summary

This study examined the weak heterogeneity of the lunar regolith layer using a self-organization model and found that the regolith is not completely homogeneous. The results provide constraints on the range of controlling parameters and suggest that the weak reflections within the regolith are more likely due to structural changes rather than material composition changes.