Lunar geologic timescale
The lunar time scale divides the shaping of the surface of the moon in six age or periods, making their start and end at certain events was. The absolute dating were obtained with the aid of brought back by the Apollo astronauts samples of lunar material. Due to this dating datings more could be gained by counting the crater frequency.
Through mutual superimposition of structures additionally obtained relative datings, for example, a smaller crater within a larger crater is obviously younger.
- 2.1 Early imbrische period
- 2.2 Late imbrische period
Präimbrisches age
In many highlands of the Moon Planetary scientists can not yet distinguish between nektarischem and pränektarischem material currently, so these rocks are often summarized " präimbrisch " under the name.
Pränektarische period
The pränektarische period lasted from the formation of the Moon up to the impact that formed the Mare Nectaris, that runs from in front of 4,600 to 3,920 million years ago.
Nektarische period
The nektarische period begins with the Mare Nectaris - felling - and ends with the impact that formed Mare Imbrium, the so lasts from about 3920-3850 million years ago.
Imbrisches age
Early period imbrische
The early - imbrische period begins with the felling through which the Mare Imbrium was created (before about 3850 million years ago), and ends with the formation of the Mare Orientale. The emergence of the Mare Orientale is not sure dated. In question period 3840-3720 million years ago is today.
Late imbrische period
The late - imbrische period begins with the emergence of the Mare Orientale and ends with the flooding of the Mare basin with molten basalt before about 3,150 million years ago.
Eratosthenisches age
In Erathostenischen age of volcanism of the moon will slowly deteriorate. It is named after the lunar crater Eratosthenes, whose development marks the beginning of the age before about 3,150 million years ago. At the end of the age before about 1,100 million years, no significant Mondvulkanismus longer takes place.
Copernican era
The Copernican era is the time of the creation of the bright ray crater, the crater Copernicus is a striking example. The emergence of Copernicus before about 800 mya but does not define the beginning of the age. It lasts from before about 1100 million years ago to today. In this age of Mondvulkanismus has largely found its end.