The Moon - Structure And Formation Test (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

The Moon - Structure And Formation Test Page 2

Short Answer Please answer in complete sentences.

17. Why are Neil Armstrong’s footprints still visible on the moon?

There is no weather to erode the footprints.

18. Why are the maria (“seas”) darker in color than the rest of the moon?

Maria is old hardened lava which does not reflect much light.

19. There are only 186 impact craters that have been positively identified on Earth. Why

don’t we find more impact craters on Earth? Give at least two reasons.

1) Earth’s weather degrades the impacts rather quickly.

2) Earth’s surface is 70% water

3) Earth’s tectonics and volcanism bury the evidence.

20. Of the four theories of moon formation, which do modern scientists think is most

accurate? Support your answer using evidence we read about.

Giant Impact theory—

explains the orbits and rotations of Earth and moon; tilt of Earth’s axis; Moon rocks

contain no water or volatile gases; Moon is poor in iron, but other elements are similar to

Earth’s mantle.

21-22. Study the two images below. Label each as the Moon or Mars. Below each picture

state the reason(s) for your decision.

Moon or Mars?

Mars

Moon or Mars?

Moon

2 reasons:

Evidence of water flow (channels)

central peak in large crater

Wind effects visible (dunes)

Lacks wind or water effects

23. What is the difference between a comet and a meteor?

A comet is made of mostly frozen

gases and water and can orbit the sun for centuries. A meteor it a usually short-lived

streak of light from a usually very small meteoroid burning up in our atmosphere.

24. What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?

A meteoroid is a piece of

dust or rock orbiting the sun; a meteorite is a piece of rock that survived entry into our

atmosphere and is found on the ground.

The Moon - Structure And Formation Test Page 2