Chapter 1: Problem 12

Describe a process that may have produced the moon. (E)

Short Answer

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The Giant Impact Hypothesis, or Theia Impact, suggests that the Moon was formed when a celestial body the size of Mars collided with the early Earth around 4.5 billion years ago. This massive impact ejected debris into Earth's orbit, which then formed a debris disk. Over time, the materials within this disk aggregated under the influence of gravity, eventually coalescing into a single large body, the Moon. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes similarities in the isotopic composition of Earth and Moon rocks, the Earth-Moon system's current angular momentum, and computer simulations of the impact event.

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Introduce the Giant Impact Hypothesis

The Giant Impact Hypothesis, or Theia Impact, is a widely accepted theory regarding the formation of the Moon. According to this hypothesis, around 4.5 billion years ago, a massive celestial body - roughly the size of Mars - collided with the early Earth. This massive impact ejected huge amounts of debris into Earth's orbit.

Explain the Protagonists: The Early Earth and Theia

In this hypothesis, two celestial bodies play essential roles: the early Earth and the impactor, Theia. The early Earth was still in the process of forming and stabilizing, while Theia was an object similar in size to Mars. It is believed to have formed in the inner solar system and had a trajectory that brought it close to Earth.

Discuss Theia's Collision with Earth

When Theia came into the vicinity of Earth, the collision occurred at a glancing angle. The violent impact resulted in a massive explosion, and enormous amounts of material were ejected into space, while the core of both bodies merged.

Formation of Debris Disk

Following the impact, the debris from Earth and Theia orbited our planet, forming a ring-like structure known as a debris disk. This debris disk consisted of molten rock, solid particles, and a mixture of iron and silicate materials that eventually began to clump together under the influence of gravity.

Aggregation and Formation of the Moon

Over time, the materials within the debris disk continued to aggregate under the influence of gravity, eventually coalescing into a single large body: the Moon. The young Moon gradually cooled down and solidified, resulting in the formation of its crust. This process might have taken somewhere around 100 million years to complete.

Evidence Supporting the Giant Impact Hypothesis

Many lines of evidence support the Giant Impact Hypothesis, such as the similarities between the isotopic composition of Earth and Moon rocks, the current angular momentum of the Earth-Moon system, and the Moon's relatively small iron core. Additionally, computer simulations of the impact event have produced outcomes consistent with our current observations of the Earth-Moon system.

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Describe a process that may have produced the moon. (E)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduce the Giant Impact Hypothesis

Explain the Protagonists: The Early Earth and Theia

Discuss Theia's Collision with Earth

Formation of Debris Disk

Aggregation and Formation of the Moon

Evidence Supporting the Giant Impact Hypothesis

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