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Measuring track densities in lunar grains using image analysisWe have used digitized scanning electron micrographs and computer image analysis programs to measure track densities in lunar soil grains. Tracks were formed by highly ionizing solar energetic particles and cosmic rays. Back-scattered electron images produced suitable high contrast images for analysis. We used computer counting and measurement of area to obtain track densities. We found an excellent correlation with manual measurements for track densities below 1x10(exp 8) cm(exp -2). For track densities between 1x10(exp 8) to 1x10(exp 9) cm(exp -2) we found that a regression formula using the percentage area covered by tracks gave good agreement with manual measurements. Measurement of tract densities in lunar samples has been a very rewarding technique for measuring exposure ages and soil maturation processes. We have shown that we can reliably measure track densities in lunar grains using image analysis techniques. Automating track counting may allow application of this technique to important problems in regolith dynamics including the ratio of radiation exposure to reworking in various surface and core samples and in regolith breccias.
Document ID
19940030903
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Blanford, G. E. (Houston Univ. Clear Lake, TX., United States)
Mckay, D. S. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Bernhard, R. P. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Schulz, C. K. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., The Twenty-Fifth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Part 1: A-G
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
94N35409
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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