Lunar mare

Definition

Lunar mare refers to the large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon's surface, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. These areas are less cratered than the highlands, indicating that they are younger and were created after the more heavily cratered regions of the Moon. The presence of lunar mare is key to understanding the Moon's geological history and its volcanic activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The largest lunar mare is Oceanus Procellarum, which translates to 'Ocean of Storms,' covering about 3 million square kilometers.
2. Lunar mare represent about 16% of the Moon's surface and are primarily located on the side that faces Earth.
3. The darker appearance of lunar mare compared to highlands is due to their lower albedo, meaning they reflect less sunlight.
4. Most of the lunar mare formed between 3 and 3.5 billion years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity known as the Late Heavy Bombardment.
5. The study of lunar mare provides insights into the Moon's geological processes and helps scientists understand similar volcanic activity on other celestial bodies.

Review Questions

• How do lunar mare differ from the highlands in terms of composition and geological history?
  • Lunar mare differ significantly from the highlands in both composition and geological history. The mare are composed mainly of basalt, which is a volcanic rock formed from ancient lava flows, while the highlands consist primarily of anorthosite, a type of rock that is older and more heavily cratered. Additionally, the mare are younger, having formed later in the Moon's history, whereas the highlands represent some of the oldest surfaces on the Moon, providing a clear contrast between these two types of terrain.
• Discuss how the formation of lunar mare contributes to our understanding of volcanic activity on celestial bodies.
  • The formation of lunar mare is crucial for understanding volcanic activity not just on the Moon but across other celestial bodies as well. The presence of these basaltic plains indicates that there was significant volcanic activity during a specific period in lunar history, which helps scientists establish timelines for geological processes. Studying how these plains formed, including their size and distribution, offers valuable insights into similar processes that may occur on planets like Mars or moons like Io. This knowledge enhances our understanding of planetary evolution and volcanism in the solar system.
• Evaluate the importance of lunar mare in relation to future lunar exploration missions and their goals.
  • Lunar mare hold significant importance for future lunar exploration missions as they are prime locations for potential resource extraction and scientific study. Their basaltic composition may contain valuable minerals and resources like helium-3, which could be useful for fusion energy. Moreover, exploring these regions can help us understand not only the Moon's geological history but also its potential for supporting human presence. As missions aim for long-term habitation and utilization of lunar resources, understanding the characteristics and distribution of lunar mare will be vital for planning effective strategies for exploration and settlement.

Related terms

Highlands: The lighter, heavily cratered regions of the Moon that are older than the lunar mare and consist primarily of anorthosite rock.

Basalt: A type of volcanic rock that makes up much of the lunar mare, formed from the rapid cooling of lava.

Impact Craters:

Depressions formed on the lunar surface as a result of collisions with asteroids or comets, which are prevalent in both highlands and mare regions.