Don’t take ancient volcanism on the Moon for granite!
A groundbreaking discovery has been made on the Moon, revealing evidence of ancient volcanism that was previously only seen on Earth. Astronomers have found a large mass of granite buried beneath a crater on the Moon, indicating the presence of a traditional Earth-like volcano.
Granite is not commonly found outside of Earth, making this discovery particularly exciting. On our planet, granite forms deep beneath the surface, usually under a volcano where magma cools down and crystalizes. The team of researchers used data from Chinese and American lunar orbiters to identify this heat-emitting mass below the Moon’s surface, uncovering a volcanic process never before seen on the Moon.
The researchers utilized an instrument that looks at microwave wavelengths, longer than infrared, to map temperatures below the Moon’s surface. They found that one of the suspected volcanoes, known as Compton-Belkovich, was emitting significant heat at microwave wavelengths. This indicates that the heat source is not necessarily at the surface, but rather beneath it within the deeper lunar crust.
The data also revealed a 20-kilometer wide silicon-rich surface feature, believed to be the caldera of this ancient volcano. The temperature in this area is 10°C warmer than its surroundings, but it is not due to magma under the surface. Instead, it is caused by radioactive elements trapped in the rocks.
Dr. Matt Siegler, co-lead researcher from the Planetary Science Institute, explained, “We interpret this heat flux as resulting from a radiogenic-rich granite body below the caldera. To tell the truth, we were a bit puzzled when we found it, but fortunately, my wife, Dr. Rita Economos, is the geochemist in the family, so with her guidance, we were able to piece together the probable geologic cause of the heat anomaly.”
Dr. Economos further elaborated, stating, “This find is a 50km wide batholith, a type of volcanic rock that forms when lava rises into the Earth’s crust but does not erupt onto the surface. Examples of similar granite rocks that have risen to the surface can be found in Yosemite in California, such as El Capitan and Half Dome.”
The discovery of such a large granite deposit on the Moon suggests that there may be other areas where granite can be found, not only on the Moon but also elsewhere in the Solar System.
The findings of this groundbreaking research were reported in the journal Nature, shedding new light on the geological history of the Moon and expanding our understanding of volcanic processes beyond Earth.
Article Posted In: More Space and Physics Stories
Published: Jul 7, 2023
How does the discovery of granite on the Moon challenge previous theories about its geology?
Ineral compositions to determine the presence of granite. They found that the Moon’s granite has a similar composition to Earth’s granite, further supporting the hypothesis that it was formed through a volcanic process.
This discovery challenges previous theories about the Moon’s geology. Until now, scientists believed that the Moon only experienced basaltic volcanism, which results in the formation of basalt rocks. The presence of granite suggests that the Moon’s volcanic activity was more complex than previously thought.
Understanding the Moon’s volcanic history is crucial for gaining insights into the early stages of the Solar System’s formation. By studying the Moon’s volcanic processes, scientists can learn more about the conditions that existed billions of years ago and how rocky planets like Earth evolved over time.
The discovery of granite on the Moon also raises questions about the potential for resources and future colonization. Granite is a valuable resource on Earth, widely used in construction and infrastructure. If large deposits of granite exist on the Moon, it could be an important resource for future lunar missions and even pave the way for the establishment of permanent human settlements.
This groundbreaking discovery not only extends our knowledge of lunar geology but also opens up new possibilities for future exploration and utilization of lunar resources. It highlights the potential for finding unexpected geological features on other celestial bodies and emphasizes the importance of continued space exploration in unraveling the mysteries of our universe. So, next time you look up at the Moon, remember not to take its ancient volcanism for granite!
This fascinating granite discovery offers an intriguing glimpse into the lunar history, shedding light on the ancient volcanism that shaped the moon. Incredible findings that deepen our understanding of our celestial neighbor!