Dataset for 3-D density structure of the lunar mascon basins

Mascon (i.e., Mass concentration) refers to an excess distribution of mass on or beneath the surface of an astronomical body, which is characterized by a large positive gravitational anomaly. On the Moon, there are widespread mascons with basin shape, called mascon basins. Study of the mass distribution of mascon basins is the key to infer their formation and evolution. We proposed an improved geophysical method to study the subsurface mascons structures. Our results suggest that mass excesses are found beneath the mascon basins. Surrounding the mass excesses of the mascon basins, there are rings of mass losses, extending from the near-surface to the lunar crust-mantle interface. These features support the forming process of a mascon basin: firstly meteorites hit the Moon and form a bowl-shaped crater, then the crash derives the lunar mantle material upwelling and fills the crater, forming the mass excesses, and finally the broken crustal material after hitting heaps up surrounding the crater, which thickens the lunar crust and forms the mass loss. In addition, the upper boundaries of mass excesses of some mascon basins are concave downward, like a valley. The feature is first observed and fits well with the crust-mantle interface. This could be the bending under the pressure of overlying magma.