Abstract:
The Chang'e-4 Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) has achieved the first in-situ high-resolution detection of the shallow subsurface structure on the far side of the Moon, filling a critical gap in our understanding of the lunar far side's subsurface architecture. This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes previous studies on the stratigraphic structure, dielectric property distribution, and genetic evolution mechanisms within the Von Kármán crater located in the South Pole–Aitken Basin. The analysis is based on dual-channel high-frequency (500 MHz) and low-frequency (60 MHz) radar data acquired by the Yutu-2 rover, integrated with multi-source remote sensing information. Regarding the shallow structure (0–40 m), this study consolidates high-frequency radar results and summarizes a five-layer stratigraphy: the top layer (0–12 m) consists of fine-grained regolith (
εr=2.35 ± 0.20, density=1.31 ± 0.20 g/cm
3), underlain by three layers of coarse-grained ejecta from the Finsen impact (
εr=3.2–4.8), with fragmented basaltic rock at the base. It is particularly noted that buried craters 150–270 m in diameter and five thin lava flow sequences, each 2–3 m thick, were identified at depths of 10–25 m, confirming the superposition of multiple impact and eruption events. For the deeper structure (>50 m), findings reveal four basalt flow units (individual thickness: 12–100 m) interlaid with two paleo-regolith layers (20 m/5 m). Volcaniclastic rocks detected beyond 280 m depth provide evidence of late-stage volcanic activity on the lunar far side. Dielectric property inversion demonstrates significant vertical heterogeneity: the relative permittivity increases from 2.4–3.2 at the surface to 5.0 at depth, with a loss tangent ranging between
0.0041–
0.0104, and FeO+TiO
2 content reaching up to 17.5 wt%. A generalized "permittivity–depth" function model has been established, improving inversion accuracy by 35% compared to conventional models. Genetic analysis identifies three dominant mechanisms: early (~3.5 Ga) basaltic eruptions forming the material foundation; mid-stage (~3.2–3.1 Ga) impact events (e.g., Finsen) depositing ejecta; and later space weathering leading to surface fining. Existing research has established a relatively complete radar profile model for the Chang'e-4 landing site and put forward a three-stage evolution theory of "impact ejecta–volcanic deposition–weathering modification", thereby providing a critical scientific basis for lunar geochronology and landing site selection for deep space exploration. The relevant achievements underscore the unique value of dual-frequency radar in planetary subsurface sounding, which holds significant implications for guiding the development of next-generation planetary detection technologies.