嫦娥五号玄武岩
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【中国新闻网】月球“晚年”为何还有火山喷发?中国科学家研究嫦娥六号样品揭秘
Zhong Guo Xin Wen Wang· 2025-08-23 00:37
Core Insights - The research reveals that the Moon experienced volcanic activity much later than previously believed, with evidence of eruptions occurring as recently as 2.8 billion years ago, challenging the notion that the Moon has been geologically inactive for the last 3 billion years [1][2]. Group 1: Mechanisms of Lunar Volcanism - The study identifies two distinct types of basalt samples from the Chang'e 6 mission, indicating that volcanic activity was driven by different heat sources: "ultra-low titanium basalt" from deep within the Moon's mantle and "low titanium basalt" from shallower depths [1][2]. - A new thermal dynamic mechanism is proposed, suggesting that as the Moon cooled, magma became trapped in the upper mantle, leading to partial melting and subsequent volcanic eruptions [2]. Group 2: Asymmetrical Evolution of the Moon - Analysis of lunar remote sensing data indicates a significant shift in volcanic activity mechanisms around 3 billion years ago, transitioning from diverse heat sources to a dominant upward heat transfer mechanism [3]. - The chemical characteristics of late-stage volcanic rocks on the Moon's near side are found to be similar to those of the Chang'e 5 basalt, while the far side shows a closer resemblance to the ultra-low titanium basalt from Chang'e 6, suggesting compositional differences in the lunar mantle [3]. Group 3: Implications for Lunar Research - The findings from the Chang'e 6 samples not only enhance understanding of the Moon's thermal evolution but also provide insights into volcanic activity mechanisms on other small celestial bodies lacking atmospheres [4]. - The ongoing lunar exploration efforts, particularly through the Chang'e missions, are expected to continue revealing new information about the Moon's geological history and its thermal state [5].