Lunar highlands

Definition

Lunar highlands refer to the mountainous regions on the Moon's surface, characterized by their lighter color and elevated terrain compared to the darker maria (seas). These highlands are composed primarily of anorthosite, a rock rich in calcium and aluminum, and cover about 83% of the Moon's surface. The highlands are also heavily cratered due to their age, making them an essential part of understanding the Moon's geological history and evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lunar highlands are among the oldest features on the Moon, dating back over 4 billion years, which allows scientists to study early solar system history.
2. The highlands contain a variety of geological features such as valleys, ridges, and cratered surfaces, providing insights into the Moon's tectonic and volcanic activity.
3. The lighter coloration of the lunar highlands is primarily due to their anorthosite composition, which reflects more sunlight than the darker basaltic maria.
4. Most of the Moon's large impact craters are found in the highlands, as they have been preserved due to their age and lack of subsequent volcanic activity.
5. The distribution of highlands and maria helps scientists understand the processes that formed the Moon and its evolution through time.

Review Questions

• How do lunar highlands differ from maria in terms of composition and geological features?
  • Lunar highlands differ from maria primarily in composition and appearance. The highlands are composed mainly of anorthosite, which is lighter in color and indicates a different geological history compared to the darker basaltic plains known as maria. Additionally, while maria are relatively smooth and younger with fewer craters, lunar highlands are heavily cratered and exhibit more varied geological features like valleys and ridges, highlighting their older age.
• Discuss the significance of studying lunar highlands in understanding the Moon's geological history.
  • Studying lunar highlands is crucial for understanding the Moon's geological history because they represent some of the oldest surfaces on the Moon. Their extensive cratering provides evidence for the impact history in the early solar system. Furthermore, analyzing the composition of these regions can reveal insights into volcanic activity, tectonic processes, and how these processes contributed to shaping not just the Moon but also other terrestrial bodies in our solar system.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of lunar highlands can inform our understanding of planetary formation and evolution in a broader context.
  • The characteristics of lunar highlands can inform our understanding of planetary formation and evolution by providing a comparative model for other celestial bodies. The presence of ancient, heavily cratered terrains like those found in the highlands suggests a violent early history characterized by significant impact events. By studying these features on the Moon, scientists can draw parallels with other planetary bodies and gain insights into their formation processes, surface evolution, and even atmospheric conditions during their development. This comparative analysis enhances our overall understanding of planetary geology across our solar system.

Related terms

Maria: Dark basaltic plains on the Moon formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, contrasting with the lighter lunar highlands.

Impact Cratering:

A process where meteorites collide with the Moon's surface, creating craters; this phenomenon is prevalent in the lunar highlands.

Anorthosite: A type of intrusive igneous rock predominantly found in the lunar highlands, known for its light color and composition of plagioclase feldspar.