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Chapter 10: Problem 10

What does it mean to say the Moon is a "one-plate world"? What is the evidence for this statement?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Moon being a 'one-plate world' means that its crust is a single, non-active tectonic plate. Evidence for this includes its static geographical features, absence of dynamic surface changes and a lack of frequent or intense moonquakes.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Meaning of 'One-Plate World'

The term 'one-plate world' refers to a celestial body’s tectonic activity, or rather, lack thereof. On Earth, the crust is divided into multiple segments called tectonic plates that move relative to each other. This is not the case for the Moon, which is referred to as a one-plate world because its crust is a single, monolithic unit that does not exhibit tectonic activity.
02

Identifying Evidence of the One-Plate Nature of the Moon

Key evidence for the Moon being a one-plate world includes its lack of active surface changes and its external geographical features. Unlike the Earth, which has an ever-changing landscape due to tectonic activity, the Moon lacks any evidence of recent geological activity. Its surface features, like the craters and lava plains, were formed billions of years ago and have remained largely unchanged since then, providing direct evidence that the Moon lacks plate tectonics.
03

Additional Evidence - Lunar Seismology

Lunar seismology, the study of moonquakes, also supports the one-plate theory. Data gathered by seismometers installed during the Apollo missions revealed that moonquakes are much less frequent and less intense compared to earthquakes, indicating the lack of internal tectonic activity.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In a whimsical moment during the Apollo 14 mission, astronaut Alan Shepard hit two golf balls over the lunar surface. Give two reasons why they traveled much farther than golf balls do on Earth.

Are impact craters on the Moon the same size as the meteoroids that made the impact? Explain your answer.

If the Earth's tidal bulge pointed directly toward the Moon, would the Moon still be receding from the Earth? Explain.

Is it correct to say that the Moon orbits the Earth? If not, what is a more correct description?

On the basis of moon rocks brought back by the astronauts, explain why the maria are dark-colored but the lunar highlands are light-colored.
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