Chinese Team Discovers Lunar Landslides Caused by Moonquakes

New Discoveries on Lunar Landslides Could Shape Future Moon Bases

Recent scientific research has uncovered evidence of active landslides on the moon, primarily caused by moonquakes. These findings could significantly influence the selection of future lunar bases and research stations, particularly as space agencies around the world expand their ambitions for long-term presence on the moon.

The study was conducted by a team of Chinese scientists from Sun Yat-sen University, Fuzhou University, and Shanghai Normal University. Their work was published in the peer-reviewed journal National Science Review, which is supervised by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The researchers analyzed 562 pairs of before-and-after images of 74 sites on the moon to identify 41 new landslides that have occurred since 2009. This detailed analysis revealed that while some of the landslides were triggered by impacts from meteorites, the majority were likely caused by internal seismic activity—moonquakes.

Understanding the Causes of Lunar Landslides

Moonquakes, although less well-known than earthquakes, have been detected during past lunar missions. However, traditional geological theories suggested that such activity had largely ceased on the moon. This study challenges that assumption, indicating that the moon’s interior remains active enough to generate seismic events capable of triggering landslides.

According to the researchers, endogenic (internal) seismic activity is the most plausible cause for the observed landslides. While the exact sources of this activity are still not fully understood, the findings align with the current thermal state of the moon, suggesting ongoing geological processes beneath its surface.

The lead author of the study, Professor Xiao Zhiyong from Sun Yat-sen University, emphasized that the landslides identified are relatively small in scale, mostly less than 1 kilometer long and 100 meters wide. He noted that this provides some reassurance regarding the potential impact on future lunar missions. However, he also warned that operations near steep slopes or complex terrains may still be at risk.

Implications for Future Lunar Exploration

The findings have important implications for the planning of future lunar bases and long-term exploration missions. For instance, the Apollo missions 15 and 17 landed in valley areas known for their susceptibility to landslides. The study serves as a reminder of the need for careful site selection and safety considerations when conducting field investigations on the moon.

NASA has previously recorded thousands of moonquake vibrations between 1969 and 1977 using seismometers deployed during the Apollo missions. According to NASA, these seismic events can last for hours and pose risks to structures, launch vehicles, and surface operations. The dry and waterless nature of the lunar surface means that seismic waves from moonquakes attenuate very slowly, potentially making them more destructive than earthquakes of similar magnitude.

Professor Xiao highlighted that China’s upcoming Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for launch around 2029, will carry a seismometer near the lunar south pole to detect moonquakes. Once a moonquake is detected, scientists could send a satellite to the epicenter to capture images and check for new landslides. This before-and-after comparison would provide critical evidence of moonquake-induced activity.

Technological Advances in Lunar Imaging

A key component of the study involved developing a technique to precisely match high-resolution satellite images of the same locations taken at different times. The team used images with a resolution of less than 1 meter per pixel to compare changes over time. Achieving precise pixel matching on the moon presented significant challenges, but the team successfully addressed this issue through an image registration method developed by co-author Xiao Zhouxuan under the supervision of Professor Xiao Zhiyong and Professor Zhang Wuming.

This advancement in imaging technology allows for more accurate monitoring of lunar surface changes, which is essential for assessing potential hazards and ensuring the safety of future lunar infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

As global efforts to establish permanent human presence on the moon intensify, understanding the geological activity of the lunar surface becomes increasingly important. The findings from this study not only contribute to our knowledge of the moon’s dynamic environment but also offer practical insights for the design and placement of future lunar bases.

With continued advancements in technology and collaboration between international space agencies, the dream of sustained human exploration on the moon is becoming more attainable.