Water on the Moon and a New Nondimensional Number

Abstract

A nondimensional number called the Jeffreys number, which represents the ratio of the Reynolds number to the Froude number, is useful in geophysical problems related to the motion of viscous masses under gravity. The Jetireys number is used to show that it is impossible for the lunar maria to be underlain by a layer of material 1 kilometer thick having the plastic properties of ice.