Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 19

Why are there no sedimentary rocks on the Moon?

Short Answer

Expert verified
There are no sedimentary rocks on the Moon because it lacks the essential conditions for sedimentary rock formation: a water body for sedimentation, an atmosphere to cause weathering, and organic life to add organic matter.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks form on Earth through a process called sedimentation. This process involves the accumulation of sediment (like minerals, organic matter, or chemical precipitates) over time, typically in bodies of water. These sediments are compressed under their own weight, then hardened and lithified into rock.
02

Analyzing the Lunar Surface

The surface of the Moon, unlike the Earth, doesn't have an atmosphere, liquid water, or life (organic matter). The Moon's surface is mostly covered with a layer of fine dust called regolith, formed from the impact of meteoroids on the Moon’s surface.
03

Making the Connection

Without the presence of water, atmosphere, or life, the conditions necessary for sedimentation and the formation of sedimentary rocks do not exist on the Moon. Additionally, sedimentary rocks are often composed of organic material, which is non-existent on the Moon.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The mare basalts are volcanic rock. Is it likely that active volcanoes exist anywhere on the Moon today? Explain.

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.

Some people who supported the fission theory proposed that the Pacific Ocean basin is the scar left when the Moon pulled away from the Earth. Explain why this idea is probably wrong.

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?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Force

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free