Lunar history

Definition

Lunar history encompasses the formation, geological evolution, and impact events that have shaped the Moon's surface over billions of years. It includes studying crater formation, volcanic activity, and tectonic processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Moon's surface is primarily shaped by impact cratering from meteoroids, comets, and asteroids.
2. The lunar highlands are older and more heavily cratered compared to the younger, smoother maria.
3. Maria on the Moon were formed by ancient volcanic activity that filled large basins with basaltic lava.
4. The lack of atmosphere on the Moon means there is no weathering or erosion processes like those on Earth.
5. Radioactive dating of lunar rocks brought back by Apollo missions helped determine that the Moon is approximately 4.5 billion years old.

Review Questions

• What primarily shapes the surface of the Moon?
• How do lunar highlands differ from maria in terms of age and appearance?
• Why does the Moon lack weathering or erosion processes?

Related terms

Impact Cratering: The process by which a meteoroid, asteroid, or comet strikes a planetary surface creating a depression.

Maria: Large, dark plains on the Moon formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Highlands: The older, heavily cratered regions on the Moon's surface.