Across the surface of the Moon, there are as many as 200 dark pits that lead to networks of lunar caves that formed billions of years ago. After a Mars-sized rock plummeted into the still-forming Earth around 4.6 billion years ago, pieces of rocky ejecta formed what we now know as the Moon. Up until around 2 billion years ago, our natural satellite was a much more turbulent place, facing constant meteorite bombardment and widespread volcanism. A consequence of this volcanic period was the formation of a network of lunar caves beneath the surface, which scientists have only recently discovered. Unlike the many different caves formed on Earth, the rock in the lunar caves hasn’t been carved by erosive forces such as wind and water. Instead, during its volcanic phase, lava flows created long, cavernous structures beneath the surface, much like lava tube caves found on Earth.
この記事は How It Works UK の Issue 195 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は How It Works UK の Issue 195 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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