The Mons Rumker volcanic complex of the Moon: A candidate landing site for the Chang'E-5 mission

Mons Rumker is a large volcanic complex in Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon and is a candidate landing site for China's Chang'E-5 sample return mission. We conducted a comprehensive study of the topography, geomorphology, composition, and stratigraphy of the Mons Rumker region with multisource remote sensing data in order to better understand the geology of the region and provide further support for the Chang'E-5 mission. The results show that the Rumker plateau stands 200-1300m above the surrounding mare surface and 75% of the plateau has a slope of less than 3 degrees at a baseline length of 30m. Domes are the most prominent volcanic landforms in Mons Rumker and a total of 22 domes were identified and divided into two types that may represent different stages of volcanic activity. Spectral analyses indicated that Mons Rumker is covered by low-Ti basalt and the dominant mafic mineral is high-calcium pyroxene, though signs of mixing of highland materials and basalt have been found. Mons Rumker has three main basalt units, and their absolute model ages are 3.71Ga, 3.58Ga, and 3.51Ga, respectively. Steep-sided domes could be the youngest volcanic features on the plateau with indications that they were active until the Eratosthenian. A new geologic map of the study region was produced and used to interpret and discuss the geologic evolution of the region. Finally, we propose two candidate landing sites for the Chang'E-5 mission.