Spectral Characterization of Vaporum Dark Mantling Deposits and Surrounding Region Using Chandrayaan-1 Moon Mineralogy Mapper

Vaporum Dark Mantling Deposits (V-DMD) is one among the regional pyroclastic deposits sites on the lunar surface. The V-DMD is easily identified in optical images by its dark albedo. It is situated in southwestern edge of Mare Vaporum basin lies near side of the Earth’s Moon. This region is evidences of ancient fire fountain volcanism and enriched in ferrous, titanium, ilmenite and volcanic glasses. The newer hyperspectral data sets helps in unraveling their spectral character/signature and mineralogy. The Chandrayaan-1 Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M
³
) 83 bands were extensively utilized for visualizing, analysis and interpretation of visual and near infrared portion of electromagnetic spectrum. PCA was performed and RGB color composite image was generated using first three bands. Spectral parameters such as band center, band width and band position were considered. V-DMD spectra shows minor and combined absorption in 1000 and 1250 nm along with broad 2000 nm absorption. Likewise prominent lunar features they also possess positive continuum slope but lower reflectance value than highland and mare surfaces in 540 to 3000 nm wavelength is reason for its lower albedo and darker tone.