What specific type of geologic feature is formed when the brittle lunar crust is squeezed due to ongoing interior contraction?
Answer
Thrust faults.
The identification of shallow moonquakes is intrinsically linked to structural deformation on the surface and near-surface. As the Moon's interior continues to slowly cool and shrink, this reduction in volume subjects the overlying brittle crust to immense compressional stress. This stress forces sections of the crust to override adjacent sections along planar fractures. These fracture systems resulting from compressional stress are specifically identified as thrust faults. These faults are analogous to features created by similar compressional forces observed within Earth's tectonic systems.
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