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Chapter 10: Problem 17

Why is the Earth geologically active while the Moon is not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Earth is geologically active due to its larger size and the presence of internal radioactive decay, which creates heat and drives plate tectonics. The Moon does not exhibit these conditions, as it is smaller and does not have significant heat-generating material left. Its smaller size also means it has cooled down much faster, becoming geologically 'dead'.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the Geological Activity of Earth

Earth is geologically active due to its internal heat, which comes from two main sources: residual heat from planetary accretion, and heat produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes. This internal heat drives convection in the mantle, which in turn drives plate tectonics. Plate tectonics lead to geological activities like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the formation of mountain ranges.
02

Explain the Lack of Geological Activity in the Moon

Contrasted to Earth, the Moon is not geologically active. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, as a smaller celestial body, it doesn't have sufficient mass to maintain a molten core, which is necessary for plate tectonics. Secondly, since the Moon does not have any significant quantities of radioisotopes, it possesses no mechanism to generate internal heat. Thirdly, the Moon lost most of its heat long ago.\nAs a result, the moon does not experience volcanic activity or earthquakes (at least not from tectonic activity), and its surface does not renew itself, unlike Earth.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Imagine that you are planning a lunar landing mission. What type of landing site would you select? Where might you land to search for evidence of recent volcanic activity?

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

Could you use a magnetic compass to navigate on the Moon? Why or why not?

How would our theories of the Moon's history have been affected if astronauts had discovered sedimentary rock on the Moon?

In the maria, the lunar regolith is about 2 to 8 meters deep. In the lunar highlands, by contrast, it may be more than 15 meters deep. Explain how the different ages of the maria and highlands can account for these differences.
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