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Discovery of Volcanic Beads on the Moon
Context:
A recent study published in Science suggests that the moon may have experienced volcanic activity as recently as 120 million years ago, challenging the long-held belief that such activity ceased about a billion years ago.
More on News:
- Recent research using remote-sensing data from satellites has revealed signs of volcanic activity on the moon dating back to around 800 million years ago, although no specific dates for the eruptions have been established.
- Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analysed samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission.
Chang’e-5 Mission Overview:
- Launch Date: November 2020
- Program: Part of China’s Chang’e lunar exploration program.
- Objective: Collect lunar surface samples for geological and mineral analysis
- Landing Site: Mons Rumker, a volcanic region in Oceanus Procellarum on the moon’s near side
The Significance of Lunar Volcanism:
- The moon’s volcanic activity offers insights into how its surface was formed, its atmospheric conditions, and tectonic activity.
- Volcanic eruptions can create environments conducive to life by releasing water and supplying energy and essential nutrients.
The Discovery:
- The Chang’e 5 mission, which successfully returned lunar samples to Earth in December 2020, provided researchers with a wealth of new data.
- Researchers focused on lunar glass beads—small, spherical pieces created by either volcanic eruptions or impacts from space rocks.
- These beads, composed of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of potassium, titanium, and uranium, offer a glimpse into the Moon’s more recent geological past.
- Distinguishing between volcanic and impact glass beads can be challenging; volcanic beads are generally more uniform, while impact beads often exhibit shock features.
- Researchers identified key characteristics: Sulphur isotope analysis was a key technique in this research.
- Volcanic glass beads typically contain higher concentrations of volatile elements, such as sulphur, released during eruptions.
- Conversely, impact glass beads may show signs of materials from impactors that are no longer present on the moon.
These beads, akin to terrestrial tektites and obsidian, form during high-energy events. In volcanic eruptions, fragments of magma cool quickly to create glass beads, while impact events generate similar beads when surface material melts and is rapidly cooled upon landing.
Implications and Future Research:
- The study raises questions about how the moon maintained volcanic activity despite a cooling interior and thickening lithosphere.
- Future missions, like Chandrayaan-4, could further explore this by sampling lunar materials and studying preserved lunar ice at the poles.
