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Analyses of Apollo 17 Samples Using the Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer: A Web‐Based Visualization Platform to Study Optical, Electron, and X‐Ray Imaging Data.

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Title: Analyses of Apollo 17 Samples Using the Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer: A Web‐Based Visualization Platform to Study Optical, Electron, and X‐Ray Imaging Data.
Authors: Minocha, Angelina1 (AUTHOR), Ogliore, Ryan C.1 (AUTHOR) ryan.ogliore@ucf.edu, Carpenter, Paul K.2,3 (AUTHOR), Yen, Christopher2,3 (AUTHOR), Jolliff, Bradley L.2,3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Planets. Nov2025, Vol. 130 Issue 11, p1-15. 15p.
Subject Terms: Data visualization, Basalt, Mineral analysis, Data visualization software, Electron probe microanalysis, Elemental analysis, Classification
Company/Entity: Apollo program (U.S.)
Abstract: We have developed the Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer, or QME‐Tool, a web‐based platform for visualization of large imaging data sets and interrogation of quantitative elemental maps acquired by electron microprobes. Using a combination of open‐source JavaScript libraries and custom scripts, the QME‐Tool can be used to quickly identify interesting mineral and lithologic phases in a sample by comparing backscattered‐electron (BSE), optical, and X‐ray images, extract quantitative chemical composition in regions from electron‐probe microanalysis (EPMA) stage maps, and easily share data and sample locations with colleagues. We have used the QME‐Tool to study regolith contained in 12 petrographic thin sections of the Apollo 17 double‐drive tube 73001/2 as part of the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) Program. As an example of the utility of the QME‐Tool, we have characterized a ∼500 × 750 μm basaltic lithic clast located in the 73002,6016 polished thin section, using a BSE image, quantitative EPMA stage maps, optical reflected light, and transmitted light in both plane‐polarized and crossed‐polarized images. In addition to non‐destructive quantitative composition extraction, we examine phase chemistry and compute a bulk composition for the clast as well as a supervised classification (using pre‐defined mineral clusters) according to its mineralogy. The data show that in its major element composition, the clast is essentially similar to ilmenite basalt 70017. This connection is used to argue that the high‐Ti basalt clasts in the drive tube originated from impacts into the valley floor and help reconstruct the emplacement mechanism of the light mantle deposit. Plain Language Summary: We have developed a web‐based tool to visualize and interrogate data acquired on samples of the Moon returned by the Apollo astronauts. The Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer, or QME‐Tool, makes it easy for scientists worldwide to examine different types of images, search for and characterize interesting, rare, or unusual rock types, and share their results with colleagues. In this work, we used the QME‐Tool to characterize a basalt rock fragment in the previously unopened Apollo 17 double‐drive tube and found that it is similar to one of the large volcanic rocks collected from the floor of Taurus‐Littrow Valley during the Apollo 17 mission. We also investigated the distribution of clast types as a function of depth and identified clasts that were unusual in their mineralogy. Key Points: We report the web‐based synthesis of large co‐registered imaging data sets of Apollo samplesCombining image analysis and quantitative X‐ray elemental data allows for a more in‐depth investigation of the sampleThe compositional classification of clasts in 73001/2 reflects the mineral/lithologic makeup and stratigraphy of the core that sampled a landslide deposit on the Moon [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:We have developed the Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer, or QME‐Tool, a web‐based platform for visualization of large imaging data sets and interrogation of quantitative elemental maps acquired by electron microprobes. Using a combination of open‐source JavaScript libraries and custom scripts, the QME‐Tool can be used to quickly identify interesting mineral and lithologic phases in a sample by comparing backscattered‐electron (BSE), optical, and X‐ray images, extract quantitative chemical composition in regions from electron‐probe microanalysis (EPMA) stage maps, and easily share data and sample locations with colleagues. We have used the QME‐Tool to study regolith contained in 12 petrographic thin sections of the Apollo 17 double‐drive tube 73001/2 as part of the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) Program. As an example of the utility of the QME‐Tool, we have characterized a ∼500 × 750 μm basaltic lithic clast located in the 73002,6016 polished thin section, using a BSE image, quantitative EPMA stage maps, optical reflected light, and transmitted light in both plane‐polarized and crossed‐polarized images. In addition to non‐destructive quantitative composition extraction, we examine phase chemistry and compute a bulk composition for the clast as well as a supervised classification (using pre‐defined mineral clusters) according to its mineralogy. The data show that in its major element composition, the clast is essentially similar to ilmenite basalt 70017. This connection is used to argue that the high‐Ti basalt clasts in the drive tube originated from impacts into the valley floor and help reconstruct the emplacement mechanism of the light mantle deposit. Plain Language Summary: We have developed a web‐based tool to visualize and interrogate data acquired on samples of the Moon returned by the Apollo astronauts. The Quantitative Microanalysis Explorer, or QME‐Tool, makes it easy for scientists worldwide to examine different types of images, search for and characterize interesting, rare, or unusual rock types, and share their results with colleagues. In this work, we used the QME‐Tool to characterize a basalt rock fragment in the previously unopened Apollo 17 double‐drive tube and found that it is similar to one of the large volcanic rocks collected from the floor of Taurus‐Littrow Valley during the Apollo 17 mission. We also investigated the distribution of clast types as a function of depth and identified clasts that were unusual in their mineralogy. Key Points: We report the web‐based synthesis of large co‐registered imaging data sets of Apollo samplesCombining image analysis and quantitative X‐ray elemental data allows for a more in‐depth investigation of the sampleThe compositional classification of clasts in 73001/2 reflects the mineral/lithologic makeup and stratigraphy of the core that sampled a landslide deposit on the Moon [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:21699097
DOI:10.1029/2024JE008614