A porthole to basaltic lava caves on the surface of the moon contributes to understanding the mechanism of ancient volcanic activity.
Lava caves, which are underground tube-like tunnels through which lava has flowed in the past, are common across the globe. Scientists disagree on whether these tunnels could have been formed on the moon as well, but there are no studies that conclusively confirm this or indicate the characteristics of the presence of lunar lava in the tunnels.
Using images from the high-resolution camera on board the Kagoya spacecraft, researcher Junichi Haruyama of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) identified a vertical hole that scientists believe is a tunnel into an intact lava tunnel. The hole is located in the Marius Hills region, a volcanic region on the near side of the moon.
The scientists found that this almost circular hole has a diameter of 65 meters, and a depth of about 80-88 meters. According to their hypothesis, it is possible that the mechanism behind the formation and design of the porthole is related to the collapse of the upper part of the lava tunnel. The authors of the study believe that the discovery could have implications for future studies on lunar volcanism.
In addition, since lava caves are protected from the hostile environment that prevails on the surface of the moon, such caves can be used in the future as part of lunar bases.
The study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. It included collaboration between several universities and research institutes in Japan and the USA.
