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The thermal inertia of the Fra Mauro formation limits its rate of cooling. The calculations of Jaeger (1961) for the cooling of an extrusive sheet are used to estimate the time required for a central temperature drop of 10%. This time is found to be about 45 years. For a 90% temperature drop, the time is about 200 years. Analytical methods used in the investigations are discussed together with the diffusion of Rb and Sr within lunar basalt. Isochron diagrams for various minerals are presented.

Tranquillityite silicate mineral in crystalline basaltic rocks from Apollo 11 and 12 samples

Petrologic analyses of minerals and glass spherules in Apollo 11 lunar rocks, indicating little fractionation and shallow-level differentiation

Apollo 11 lunar igneous rocks minerals and glassy phases characteristics, using electron probe microanalysis