The dark plains on the Moon formed by ancient lava flows are called

The dark plains on the Moon formed by ancient lava flows are called

• A. Marias
• B. Highlands
• C. Craters
• D. Rilles

Answer: (A)

Lunar maria are the dark basalt plains on the Moon formed when ancient lava erupted and flooded large impact basins, then cooled into smooth surfaces. This lava-flooded origin gives their distinctive dark color and relatively flat terrain compared with the rugged highlands that surround them. The highlands are the lighter, heavily cratered regions that didn’t fill with basalt lava. Craters, meanwhile, are circular pits created by impacts, found across the Moon, and rilles are long, channel-like formations carved by volcanic or tectonic processes. So the dark lava-filled plains are maria.

Lunar maria are the dark basalt plains on the Moon formed when ancient lava erupted and flooded large impact basins, then cooled into smooth surfaces. This lava-flooded origin gives their distinctive dark color and relatively flat terrain compared with the rugged highlands that surround them. The highlands are the lighter, heavily cratered regions that didn’t fill with basalt lava. Craters, meanwhile, are circular pits created by impacts, found across the Moon, and rilles are long, channel-like formations carved by volcanic or tectonic processes. So the dark lava-filled plains are maria.