Fig. 2: Stability curves for clathrates stored in the permanently shaded regions. | Nature Communications

Fig. 2: Stability curves for clathrates stored in the permanently shaded regions.

From: Exogenic origin for the volatiles sampled by the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite impact

Fig. 2

Clathrates are stable above and to the left of the curve. Comparison of (top blue line) the pressure-temperature profile, or P = f(T), in the upper lunar regolith (0.2–5 m) to stability curves for clathrates with SO2, H2S, CO, and mixtures of these species as noted in the legend31,34,35. The P = f(T) profile is calculated based on a temperature profile extrapolated from ref. 12 and pressure based on a 1.66 g/cm3 lunar regolith36. Mixed clathrate stability curves are based on clathrates formed from gas mixture of CO + SO2 or H2S (with a cometary C/S from ref. 21); such clathrate is dominated by SO2 or H2S. Because the P = f(T) for the lunar regolith falls in the area above and to the left of all stability curves, the regolith is within the clathrate stability domain.

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