From Schrodinger to Von Karman: An Intriguing New Geological Structure Revealed by the Chang'e-4 Lunar Penetrating Radar

Since early 2019, the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) onboard Chang'e-4 (CE-4)'s Yutu-2 rover has been gathering data relating to the subsurface structure of the Von Karman crater within the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA) on the lunar farside. Low-frequency radar data have the potential of carrying geological information of about 300 m worth of strata below the traversed path. Forty-two days' data have revealed a bifurcated structure within the layered structure beneath the CE-4 surveying area for the first time, affecting the overlying reflectors between 90 and 310 m. This study suggests that, based on the morphological characteristics, thickness, depth (timing sequence) and direction of the newly found structure, its origin might be linked to the deposition of ejecta from the Schrodinger impact. The local stratigraphy is interpreted as consisting of distinct geological layers, corresponding to the superposition of ejecta from different impact craters, paleo-regolith, and basaltic lava flows.

Automated summary

The Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) on Chang'e-4's Yutu-2 rover has been collecting data on the subsurface structure of the Von Karman crater since early 2019. Forty-two days of data have revealed a bifurcated structure beneath the surveying area, impacting the overlying reflectors between 90 and 310 meters. This study suggests that the structure may be linked to the deposition of ejecta from the Schrodinger impact.