A Comprehensive 3D Thermophysical Model of the Lunar Surface

A three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model was built to understand the lunar surface and subsurface thermophysical behavior. This is a multi‐layer model, with a top porous layer followed by denser layer(s) beneath, with several advantages. The model can incorporate complex geometry, different sizes and parametric‐based variation in physical properties for individual layers and can be implemented at various scales. At present, the model can account for local to regional scale variations and can be improved further to predict global scale variations. The diurnal evolution of surface and subsurface temperatures from the model showed a clear effect of the outermost porous layer on the heat propagation into the subsurface as predicted from earlier studies. Being a 3D model, it is capable of simulating significant variations in lateral heat transport due to presence of topography to derive realistic surface and near‐surface temperatures on the Moon. The model results were validated through laboratory experiments, Apollo in situ data and compared with those from earlier models. The unique feature of the model is that it allows to use any Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for any site of interest which is demonstrated in this work by considering a case study of the Apollo‐17 landing site to derive its thermophysical behavior. In addition to being an important tool for addressing several geophysical problems, the model can largely aid in planning and execution of future in situ exploration of the Moon. This model is a first step toward building a comprehensive large‐scale model for understanding the thermophysical behavior of the Moon.