"Since 2010, scientists have known that the moon is gradually shrinking, as its interior cools and the surface contracts. This shrinking has created distinctive landforms, known as 'lobate scarps', in the lunar highlands. These structures form when the moon's crust compresses and the resulting forces push material up and over adjacent crust along a fault, creating a ridge. However, in their new study, the researchers spotted strange cracks across a different area called the lunar maria - the vast, dark plains on the moon's surface."
"Worryingly, the findings suggest that astronauts who may one day explore or live on the lunar surface may be at risk of devastating quakes. 'We are in a very exciting time for lunar science and exploration,' said Cole Nypaver, lead author of the study. 'Upcoming lunar exploration programs, such as Artemis, will provide a wealth of new information about our moon. 'A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly benefit the safety and scientific success of those and future missions.'"
The Moon is shrinking as its interior cools and the surface contracts. More than 1,000 previously unknown cracks have been identified on the lunar surface, including in the lunar maria. These small mare ridges indicate contraction and reshaping of the crust and are similar to lobate scarps found in the highlands. Lobate scarps form when crust compresses and forces material up and over adjacent crust along faults, producing ridges. The cracks suggest ongoing tectonism and raise the risk of damaging moonquakes that could threaten future lunar missions.
Read at Mail Online
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