What is the dominant energy source causing movement on the Moon, contrasting with Io's main driver?
Answer
Residual cooling contraction, supported by tidal forces.
When assessing the geological longevity of a small world, the energy budget dictates the potential for ongoing activity. For the Moon, the main driver sustaining observable phenomena like shallow moonquakes is its residual internal heat, which drives thermal contraction as the interior slowly cools. While tidal forces from Earth provide a constant, supporting role by flexing the interior, the primary mechanism leading to structural adjustments like faulting is this ongoing shrinkage. This contrasts sharply with moons like Io, whose extreme dynamism is overwhelmingly dominated by the potent tidal flexing resulting from its proximity to Jupiter, leading to extreme tidal heating.
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