Question

How can you determine the relative ages of the Moon's maria and highlands? (Select all that apply.)

1. radioactive dating of rocks from each region

2. compare the number of craters that are seen on each region

3. compare the relative depth of the regolith

4. compare the relative magnetic field above each region

Answer 1

The relative ages of the Moon's maria and highlands can be determined by comparing the number of craters, radioactive dating of rocks, and the relative depth of the regolith in each region.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relative ages of the Moon's maria and highlands can be determined by selecting the following:

1. Comparing the number of craters on each region. Typically, the more heavily cratered terrain will be older, indicating more time has elapsed since the region was cleared of debris.
2. Radioactive dating of rocks from each region. By measuring the solidification ages of lunar samples brought back by the Apollo astronauts, scientists can estimate the ages of individual rocks and determine whether the highlands or maria formed earlier.
3. Comparing the relative depth of the regolith (the layer of loose, fragmented material covering the Moon's surface) in each region. Generally, older regions have thicker regolith layers due to accumulated impact debris over time.