Recent study shows volcanic activity on the moon persisted until 120 million years ago
A recent study featured in the journal Science has overturned established notions of lunar volcanic activity, showing that eruptions persisted until approximately 120 million years ago. This revelation, derived from the analysis of small glass beads collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, contradicts the longstanding belief that volcanic activity on the moon halted about 2 billion years ago.
TroibNews 
A new study featured in the journal Science has dramatically altered existing views on the timeline of volcanic activity on the moon, revealing evidence that suggests volcanic eruptions persisted until approximately 120 million years ago.
The findings are based on the analysis of minuscule glass beads that were collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020 and brought back to Earth. The meticulous examination and radiometric dating of these beads by a research team led by Professor Li Qiuli from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Geology and Geophysics, determined that they originated 120 million years ago.
The research highlighted significant concentrations of rare earth elements and thorium within these beads, hinting at a possibility that this late-stage volcanism was related to localized zones of heat-generating elements within the moon's mantle, the study indicates. These volcanic glasses are typically produced by magma fountains, a phenomenon previously noted in other lunar samples.
Prior investigations into lunar rocks had concluded that the moon's volcanic activity ceased around 2 billion years ago. The new findings contest this view, suggesting that volcanic processes on the moon lasted far longer.
This recent study emphasizes the critical role of further exploring the timeline of lunar volcanic activity as it plays a significant part in deciphering the geological evolution of celestial bodies. In 2021, evidence from Chinese researchers further extended the historical window of significant volcanic activity on the moon to about 2 billion years ago, thus increasing the duration of its volcanic history by around 1 billion years.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
The findings are based on the analysis of minuscule glass beads that were collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020 and brought back to Earth. The meticulous examination and radiometric dating of these beads by a research team led by Professor Li Qiuli from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Geology and Geophysics, determined that they originated 120 million years ago.
The research highlighted significant concentrations of rare earth elements and thorium within these beads, hinting at a possibility that this late-stage volcanism was related to localized zones of heat-generating elements within the moon's mantle, the study indicates. These volcanic glasses are typically produced by magma fountains, a phenomenon previously noted in other lunar samples.
Prior investigations into lunar rocks had concluded that the moon's volcanic activity ceased around 2 billion years ago. The new findings contest this view, suggesting that volcanic processes on the moon lasted far longer.
This recent study emphasizes the critical role of further exploring the timeline of lunar volcanic activity as it plays a significant part in deciphering the geological evolution of celestial bodies. In 2021, evidence from Chinese researchers further extended the historical window of significant volcanic activity on the moon to about 2 billion years ago, thus increasing the duration of its volcanic history by around 1 billion years.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
