Soon a seismic risk map on the moon? And why not ? Because a new study has just shown that our natural satellite is exposed to numerous earthquakes related to its thermal contraction. A fact that must be taken into account, especially with regard to the establishment of a permanent lunar base.
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This is a strange phenomenon, but very real. The moon is shrinking. Scientists estimate that its circumference would have decreased by about 45 meters in a few hundred million years! For a whole star with a diameter of 3,474 kilometers, that's not a lot, but still.
The moon cools and contracts
Why is our natural satellite visibly (or almost) shrinking? The cause would be thermal contraction. As they cool, the rocks that make up the moon's interior contract, reducing their volume. Like a grape left to dry. But as the latter gradually wrinkles, the moon bursts open from all sides. In fact, faults are formed to accommodate this reduction in ground surface area.
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A type of tectonic activity accompanied by earthquakes. For 50 years, these “moonquakes” have been recorded by the passive seismic network installed during the ApolloApollo missions. In the 1970s, this network also recorded a magnitude 5 earthquake! An activity observed particularly at the South Pole, where large scarps with pressure disturbances are observed.
Danger of landslides
This region is also home to one of the candidate sites for the Artemis III moon landing. A location that may not be fully suitable for installing a lunar base, according to a new study published in the Planetary Science Journal. In fact, a team of researchers has conducted modeling that shows that the shallow earthquakes shaking this region could produce powerful ground shaking that could significantly damage potential facilities.
It is also not impossible that landslides will occur, as the lunar soil consists of very fine, unconsolidated dust. This study shows that seismic risk also exists on the Moon and that this must be taken into account when choosing future landing sites on the Moon.
The USA and China want to settle in the same place on the moon!