Chang'e-6 Mission Unveils Moon's Volcanic Secrets, Active Even in Its Later Years
2025-08-23 / Read about 0 minute
Author:小编   

Through the meticulous examination of lunar samples retrieved by the Chang'e-6 mission, researchers have shed light on the enigmatic persistence of volcanic activity on the Moon, even in its latter stages. Their findings indicate that volcanic eruptions on the Moon took place as recently as 2 to 2.8 billion years ago, revealing the existence of two distinct types of basalt, each with unique compositions and source depths. These rocks trace their origins to two separate rock layers that formed subsequent to the cooling of the Moon's primordial magma ocean. As the Moon gradually cooled, its lithosphere thickened, trapping deep magma within the shallow regions of the lunar mantle. This phenomenon facilitated shallow melting induced by heat conduction, ultimately leading to volcanic activity. Furthermore, notable chemical variations were observed between volcanic rocks located on the near and far sides of the Moon, offering fresh insights into the Moon's asymmetric evolution. This groundbreaking research not only advances our comprehension of the Moon's thermal evolution history but also serves as a valuable reference for understanding volcanic mechanisms in smaller celestial bodies.