A new research report has been published showing that tremors from moonquakes, rather than significant meteoroid impacts, were the driving force behind the changing terrain in the Taurus-Littrow Valley.
The researchers also examined the likely significant influence of cell fault movements on the changing surface features and evaluated plausible damage by applying updated models of seismic activity on the moon.
The research was published in the journal Scientific progress.
Apollo 17 research reveals ancient moonquake activity
Watters and Schmerr analyzed samples during Apollo 17. They documented that floods and landslides appear to have been caused by moonquakes.
Scientists specifically analyzed this geological evidence, estimated how powerful these past earthquakes were and identified the most likely source for causing them.
The study further suggests that moonquakes with a magnitude of nearly 3.0 have repeatedly shook the area over the past 90 million years.
The patterns of seismic activity point to the possibility that this fault is just one of many young thrust faults discovered on the moon.
Research into the daily risks for future lunar operations
Short missions such as Apollo 17 had little danger due to their limited duration. The researchers concluded that projects with a longer stay entail a danger.
However, upcoming missions using larger lander designs incorporating the Starship Human Landing System may result in increased amplitude caused by moonquakes close to an active fault.
These concerns are especially critical as NASA moves forward with the Artemis program, which aims to maintain a continued human presence on the moon.
Lunar paleoseismology must progress
This research was part of an emerging field known as lunar paleoseismology, which focuses on past seismic activity.
In this regard, scientists can accelerate towards higher resolution maps as new technology and upcoming Artemis missions plan to install seismometers much more advanced than those used during Apollo.
The recent study concludes that safety concerns in lunar exploration and investments that need to be carefully considered are new priorities.
Additionally, researchers avoided the top of a steep slope; instead, they found a point that was further away and less difficult.
