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Chapter 10: Problem 8

Describe the differences between the maria and the lunar highlands. Which kind of terrain covers more of the Moon's surface? Which kind of terrain is more heavily cratered? Which kind of terrain was formed later in the Moon's history? How do we know?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Maria are the darker, flat areas covering 16% of the moon, and are less heavily cratered, indicating that they are younger. The Lunar Highlands are lighter, heavily cratered areas covering 83% of the moon, and are therefore older. The age difference is confirmed by moon rock studies showing highlands rocks are about 4.4 billion years old, while maria rocks are about 3.4 billion years old.

Step by step solution

01

Definition and Coverage of Lunar Highlands and Maria

The Maria, also known as lunar mares, are large, dark, flat areas on the Moon, whereas the Lunar highlands are the light-colored, heavily cratered areas. The Maria cover about 16% of the lunar surface, primarily on the side facing Earth. The Lunar highlands cover a majority of the Moon's surface, about 83%.
02

Cratering of Lunar Highlands and Maria

When considering the level of cratering, the Lunar highlands are more heavily cratered than the Maria. This indicates that the Maria are relatively younger as the level of cratering typically corresponds with the age of the terrain.
03

Formation time of Lunar Highlands and Maria

In terms of formation time, based on the level of cratering and the analysis of Moon rocks brought back from Moon missions, scientists believe that the Lunar highlands formed earlier in the Moon's history, while the Maria formed later. The Maria likely formed when the Moon was still geologically active and experienced volcanic activity which formed these flat areas
04

Evidence of Formation Time

The main evidence for these conclusions comes from studying moon rocks and their age. Rocks from the Lunar highlands are about 4.4 billion years old, indicating that they formed shortly after the Moon itself. Meanwhile, rocks from the Maria are on average 1 billion years younger than those from the highlands. This suggests that volcanic activity persisted longer in these areas, creating the Maria later in the moon's history.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Before the Apollo missions to the Moon, there were two diametrically opposite schools of thought about the history of lunar geology. The "cold moon" theory held that all lunar surface features were the result of impacts. The most violent impacts melted the surface rock, which then solidified to form the maria. The opposite "hot moon" theory held that all lunar features, including maria, mountains, and craters, were the result of volcanic activity. Explain how lunar rock samples show that neither of these theories is entirely correct.

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

If the Moon always keeps the same face toward the Earth, how is it possible for Earth observers to see more than half of the Moon's surface?

What is the evidence that ice exists at the lunar poles? Is this evidence definitive?

Describe the evidence that (a) the Moon has a more solid interior than the Earth and (b) the Moon's interior is not completely solid.
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