Lunar maria

Definition

Lunar maria are large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon's surface, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. They cover about 16% of the Moon's surface and are primarily found on the side facing Earth, giving the Moon its characteristic appearance. These features provide valuable insight into the volcanic processes that occurred in the early history of the Moon and help compare its geology with that of other planetary bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The largest lunar maria include Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis, which are all located on the near side of the Moon.
2. Lunar maria were formed between 3 and 4 billion years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity when molten rock flowed across the surface.
3. The darker color of the maria compared to the lighter highlands is due to their basalt composition, which absorbs more light.
4. Lunar maria are typically less cratered than the surrounding highlands, indicating they were formed after many impact events.
5. The study of lunar maria helps scientists understand the thermal evolution and volcanic history of not only the Moon but also other terrestrial bodies in our solar system.

Review Questions

• How do lunar maria differ from the surrounding highlands in terms of composition and geological history?
  • Lunar maria are composed mainly of basalt, resulting from ancient volcanic activity that created dark plains on the Moon's surface. In contrast, the surrounding highlands are primarily made up of anorthosite, a lighter rock type rich in plagioclase feldspar. The geological history of the maria shows less cratering compared to the highlands, indicating that they formed after significant impact events had occurred, showcasing a different timeline in lunar evolution.
• Evaluate the significance of studying lunar maria for understanding planetary volcanism across the solar system.
  • Studying lunar maria is crucial for understanding planetary volcanism as they provide insights into the volcanic processes that shaped not only the Moon but potentially other rocky bodies in our solar system. The characteristics of lunar basalt can be compared with volcanic rocks found on Mars and Venus, helping scientists make connections about their formation and geological activity. This research can shed light on how similar processes may occur on different planets and contribute to our understanding of their geological histories.
• Analyze how lunar maria formation contributes to our understanding of the Moon's thermal evolution and its implications for future exploration.
  • The formation of lunar maria reveals important details about the Moon's thermal evolution, including its cooling and volcanic activity over billions of years. This understanding is critical as it informs future exploration missions aimed at resource utilization and potential habitation. By knowing where volcanic materials are concentrated within the maria, future missions could target areas rich in resources like water ice or useful minerals, enhancing our ability to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Related terms

basalt: A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that makes up much of the lunar maria, formed from cooled lava.

impact craters: Depressions formed on the lunar surface as a result of collisions with meteoroids and other celestial objects, which can reveal information about the Moon's geological history.

regolith: The layer of loose, fragmented material covering the solid bedrock of the Moon, consisting of dust, small rocks, and debris from impacts and volcanic activity.