Scientists Discover Moonquakes Are Causing Landslides on the Moon
Chinese scientists have discovered that seismic activity on the Moon, known as "moonquakes," can trigger landslides on the lunar surface. The finding offers new insights into the Moon's ongoing geological processes, suggesting it is more dynamic than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding lunar geology and is a crucial consideration for the safety and planning of future missions and potential habitats on the Moon, revealing a previously underestimated hazard.
Unpacked:
Moonquakes are primarily caused by tidal forces from Earth's gravity, the Moon's ongoing cooling and shrinking, meteorite impacts, and thermal expansion. Unlike earthquakes, which are mainly due to tectonic plate movement, moonquakes can last much longer—sometimes hours—and tend to be weaker, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.5 compared to Earth's much larger ones.
Moonquakes are rare, with the strongest (up to magnitude 5.5) occurring near the surface. While not as powerful as major earthquakes, their extended duration and potential to trigger landslides pose risks to long-term lunar habitats and infrastructure, especially if placed near active faults.
Recent studies, including analyses of dislodged boulders and landslides near lunar faults, show that ground shaking from moonquakes is strong enough to move large rocks and trigger landslides. Changes in boulder positions and landslide deposits, matched with seismic data, support this connection.
Awareness of moonquake-triggered landslides will affect site selection for lunar bases, encouraging placement away from active faults or steep slopes. Mission planners will need to design structures to withstand prolonged shaking and consider geological hazards during both construction and long-term occupation.