What property allowed basaltic lava to spread across vast distances to form the maria?
Answer
Low viscosity
The formation of the massive, smooth plains known as the maria depended critically on the physical property of the erupting molten rock. The basaltic lava involved in these flows was notably low in viscosity. This characteristic meant that the molten rock could travel great distances from its source vents, enabling it to spread out extensively across the lunar surface before it cooled and hardened. This ability to flow over vast areas is what allowed the lava to settle into and fill the large, bowl-shaped impact craters, creating the relatively smooth terrain observed today.
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