Density Structure of the Rümker Region in the Northern Oceanus Procellarum: Implications for Lunar Volcanism and Landing Site Selection for the Chang'E‐5 Mission

Abstract

Abstract The Rümker region, located in the northern Oceanus Procellarum, is the candidate landing region for China's Chang'E‐5 lunar sample‐return mission. The area is geologically complex and known for its volcanic activity. To understand the volcanism of the Rümker region, we investigate the 3D crustal density structure of this region using Bouguer gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission. We applied derivative filters and a 3D density inversion to resolve both the shallow and deep structures in the subsurface. Results indicate that the Rümker region exhibits different modes of emplacement. The Mons Rümker volcanic complex is fed by an intrusion‐like structure at a depth of ~6–18 km and contains high‐density basaltic materials of >3,000 kg/m 3 . A quasi‐circular mass anomaly that was identified in a previous study with high gravity amplitude (~130 mGal) and high density (> 3,000 kg/m 3 ) was also documented in the study region. The quasi‐circular mass anomaly feature represents deeper and thicker buried mare basalts with a bowl‐shaped geometry formed by an impact event. Based on our geophysical analysis, we propose four landing site candidates for the Chang'E‐5 mission that satisfy the geological and geophysical criteria for maximum scientific return.