Earth is much larger than the Moon, yet it has far fewer craters. Which statement is NOT an explanation for the disparity in crater numbers?
A) Earth's atmosphere caused many smaller impactors to burn up before striking the surface.
B) Some older craters on Earth were worn away by the action of wind and rain.
C) Some older craters on Earth were eradicated as parts of the crust are constantly subducted.
D) Earth's larger gravity tends to focus the orbits of near misses so that they hit the Moon instead.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earth's larger gravity does not focus the orbits of near misses to specifically target the Moon instead. The primary reasons for the disparity in crater numbers are atmospheric burn-up of smaller impactors, erosion by wind and rain, and geological activity such as subduction on Earth, which do not involve altering the orbits of impactors to favor lunar collisions.

Earth Is Much Larger Than the Moon, Yet It Has