What Makes Lunar Flood Basalts Fill Large Impact Basins on the Moon?

Question:

Which of the following is not a reason for lunar flood basalts filling the large impact basins on the Moon?

Option 1: The mare are lower than the surrounding highlands.

Option 2: The mare are less dense than the surrounding highlands.

Option 3: The mare are more viscous than the surrounding highlands.

Option 4: The mare are more conductive than the surrounding highlands.

Final answer: Mare

Answer:

Mare, or lunar flood basalts, fill the large impact basins on the Moon due to their lower elevation and less viscous nature, not because they are more viscous than the highlands. The incorrect option presented is the mare being more viscous than the highlands.

Lunar flood basalts, known as mare, primarily fill the large impact basins on the Moon due to their unique characteristics. The mare are indeed lower than the surrounding highlands, as they flow into the depression areas created by lunar impacts. Additionally, the density of mare basalts is less than that of the highlands, enabling them to spread and fill the impact basins.

However, the incorrect option states that mare are more viscous than the surrounding highlands. In reality, the lava that formed the mare was less viscous, allowing it to flow and fill the impact basins more easily. This explains why option 3 is not a reason for lunar flood basalts filling the large impact basins on the Moon.