Ice on the Moon
There may be a lot more water and ice on the moon than we thought, according to a recent study.
Researchers from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) say ice is locked deep within the lunar surface, and may even be large enough to support future human settlements.
The theory may explain a long-observed differences between the moon and planets with similar surface conditions, like Mercury. While Mercury contains a large quantity of ice on its polar regions, the moon, which bears similar surface conditions, appears to have none-or at least none shallow enough to be observed.
“The simple answer is that the moon has lots of ice-it’s just buried below the surface,” said David Paige, a UCLA professor.
Radar examinations of Mercury show the planet contains thick store of ice, some of which were 50 meters wide, while similar observations of the lunar surface show only shallow store.
Scientists say the key to explaining that difference could be in studying the depth of the moon’s impact craters (陨石坑).
On the moon’s south pole, where ice has been previously detected, the impact craters were measured to be 10 percent shallower than those observed elsewhere. That difference in depth isn’t just coincidence (巧合). It’s due to a collection of hardened ice that rests beneath the surface.
Researchers say the lunar ice, unlike that found on Mercury, is likely layered with the moon’s regolith (风化层)-a lunar “soil” made of hardened rock and other material--and is much more dense as a result.
If true, research findings could be important for several reasons, such as the possibility of establishing colonies and industrial operations on the moon’s surface.
12. How different is the moon from Mercury?
A.They have different surfaces. |
B.The ice locations are different. |
C.The moon is larger than Mercury in size. |
D.The ice on Mercury is more likely layered with regolith. |
13. What can you infer from this text?
A.There is no water on the planet Mercury. |
B.It is found that ice is locked deep within the lunar surface. |
C.Lots of water on the moon is vital for humans to settle there. |
D.Researchers find there exists a lot more water and ice on the moon. |
14. What does the underlined word “detect” in paragraph 7 probably mean?
A.Discover. | B.Examine. | C.Reserve. | D.Exploit. |
15. How is the text developed?
A.By telling stories. | B.By giving examples. |
C.By following time order. | D.By making a comparison. |