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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 February 2017
A dual origin of lunar formations by both exogenous and endogenous mechanisms is now generally accepted. These processes are normally equated with impact and volcanism respectively, but many aspects of the latter cannot be readily identified with present-day terrestrial volcanism. It is proposed that lunar volcanism involved large volumes of gases and volatiles, so that ‘fluidization’ of particulate systems occurred. Terrestrial fluidization structures and model studies are described and illustrated. Certain lunar rilles and transient phenomena are also suggested to result from degassing of the interior. Some possible applications of fluidization to Mars and the synthesis of electropolymers are mentioned.