What are the MOST common shapes of lunar craters, and why?
A) all shapes from round to oval, depending on the angle at which the projectile hit the surface
B) round because most of the craters formed from volcanic explosions, not meteoric impacts
C) random shapes because mantle convection has deformed the surface and distorted the craters
D) round because the incoming projectile vaporized and exploded to form the crater

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common shape of lunar craters is round because when a meteorite impacts the Moon's surface, it typically vaporizes upon impact and releases energy that creates an explosion. This explosion excavates material in a symmetrical pattern, resulting in a round crater regardless of the angle at which the projectile hit the surface.

What Are the MOST Common Shapes of Lunar Craters, and Why