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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Characterization, Quantification and Compound-specific Isotopic Analysis of Pyrogenic Carbon Using Benzene Polycarboxylic Acids (BPCA)
Published on: May 16, 2016
Carbon compounds in Apollo 11 lunar samples.
B Nagy1, W M Scott, V Modzeleski
1Department of Geochronology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
This study investigates the origin of lunar volatiles. We analyze potential sources including solar wind, meteorites, comets, primordial atmosphere, and lunar outgassing to determine their contribution to the Moon's volatile inventory.
Area of Science:
- Lunar science
- Planetary science
- Astrogeology
Background:
- The Moon's volatile composition is not fully understood.
- Multiple hypotheses exist regarding the origin of lunar volatiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the various proposed sources of lunar volatiles.
- To differentiate between internal and external contributions to the Moon's volatile inventory.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on solar wind implantation.
- Analysis of isotopic compositions of meteoritic and cometary materials.
- Geochemical modeling of lunar outgassing processes.
- Comparison of observed lunar volatile signatures with potential source reservoirs.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a mixed origin for lunar volatiles.
- Solar wind implantation is a significant source for certain volatile elements.
- Meteoritic and cometary impacts likely delivered other volatile species.
- Primordial atmosphere remnants and outgassing may also play a role.
Conclusions:
- The Moon's volatile inventory is a complex product of multiple delivery and formation processes.
- Further in-situ measurements and sample analyses are needed for definitive source attribution.
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