What geological implication must future lunar habitat planning account for due to recent wrinkle ridge formation?
Answer
Possible subtle ground movement over multi-century timescales
Understanding that features like wrinkle ridges, which indicate internal stress and deformation, are only a few hundred million years old has direct practical relevance for long-term exploration. If the crust is still actively deforming under thermal and gravitational stress, any permanent structure built on what appears to be stable ground might be subject to subtle, slow creeping or potential small slips caused by tidal loading or residual thermal stresses. Therefore, engineers cannot assume a completely stable environment akin to a cold asteroid; they must incorporate structural engineering solutions designed to accommodate slow, subtle ground movement over extended periods.
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