8th The Sun-Earth-Moon System (C20) Practice Test

Which lunar feature are circular depressions formed by impacts?

Craters Maria Highlands Rilles

Correct Answer:

Craters

Explanation:

Circular depressions formed by impacts are craters. When a meteoroid or asteroid strikes the Moon, the enormous energy blasts material outward and upward, excavating a bowl-shaped pit and leaving a raised rim around the edge. The impact distributes energy in a roughly circular pattern from the point of contact, which is why the resulting feature is typically round. In larger craters you can even see a central peak formed as the ground rebounds after the initial excavation. This distinguishes craters from maria, which are smooth basaltic plains formed by ancient lava flows filling basins; from the Highlands, which are rugged, light-colored, heavily cratered highlands; and from rilles, which are long channels created by volcanic or tectonic processes rather than impacts.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to 8th The Sun-Earth-Moon System (C20) Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions