What term describes the dark, extensive lava plains visible on the Moon's face?
Answer
maria
During the Moon's most active ancient history, intense internal heat powered massive eruptions. These eruptions expelled vast quantities of dark, low-viscosity basaltic material. This molten rock flowed out, flooding the enormous impact basins on the surface. When this material eventually cooled and solidified, it formed the smooth, dark plains that are easily visible when observing the Moon from Earth. These plains are scientifically designated by the Latin term *maria*, which translates to 'seas'.
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