1. Slope Deformation Processes on the South Massif
Recent tectonism and the long-lasting effects of subsurface geometry in Taurus-Littrow Valley, Apollo 17 landing site
The South Massif and Taurus-Littrow Valley represent a unique setting for understanding recent geological processes on the Moon. Two overlapping landslide deposits and boulder falls indicate that repetitive instability has affected the north-east facing slope of the South Massif. The young Lee-Lincoln lobate scarp, associated with a thrust fault, suggests seismic shaking may have been an important trigger for surface changes and mass-wasting events in the area.
In this work, we use the younger landslide deposit — the Light Mantle — as a geomorphological marker. It is the only known extraterrestrial landslide with an absolute age constraint (70–110 Myr), provided by the Apollo 17 returned samples, making it a valuable time marker for surface changes that occurred since its emplacement.
We identify a variety of features on the NE slope of the South Massif that record recent slope deformation: boulder tracks, disturbed regolith, breaks in slope, crestal graben, and other linear slope structures. The pervasive nature of this deformation evidence suggests repetitive processes have effectively reshaped these slopes — driven by the ongoing effects of recent tectonism along the Lee-Lincoln fault, coupled with subsurface geometry inherited from the original impact basin formation.
2. Tycho's Secondaries
Secondary craters as absolute stratigraphic markers
Work in progress — details coming soon.