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Detailed Reference Information
Noble et al. 2006
Noble, S.K., Pieters, C.M., Hiroi, T. and Taylor, L.A. (2006). Using the modified Gaussian model to extract quantitative data from lunar soils. Journal of Geophysical Research 111: doi: 10.1029/2006JE002721. issn: 0148-0227.

The Lunar Soil Characterization Consortium (LSCC) has examined and characterized a suite of lunar soils with a wide range of compositions and maturities. The purpose of this study is to compare the Vis/NIR spectral properties of these lunar soils with their petrologic and chemical compositions using the modified Gaussian model (MGM) to obtain quantitative data about the character of relatively weak near-infrared absorption bands. Useful compositional information can be extracted from high-quality soil spectra using the MGM. The model had some difficulty fitting absorption bands in the 2 ¿m region of the lunar spectrum, but bands in the 1 and 1.2 ¿m regions provided physically realistic results. The model was able to distinguish high-Ca and low-Ca pyroxenes in the LSCC suite of lunar soils in the appropriate relative abundance. In addition, unexpected insights into the nature and causes of absorption bands in lunar soils were identified. For example, at least two distinct absorption bands are required in the 1.2 ¿m region of the spectrum, and neither of these bands can be attributed to plagioclase or agglutinates, but are found instead to be largely due to pyroxene.

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Abstract

Keywords
Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Moon, Planetary Sciences, Solid Surface Planets, Remote sensing, Planetary Sciences, Solid Surface Planets, Surface materials and properties
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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