originally posted in:City Geological Survey
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Ok, so as I explore those dark caves on the Moon, I keep thinking about how they would have been created. I know the "big" caves were dug out by the Hive, ok Destiny lore that makes sense. But the smaller caves on the surface of the moon (if the Hive didn't make those) would have to have been made by water or wind erosion right? I guess what I am wondering is in real life there aren't caves like that on the Moon, or are there? I guess it would be pretty cool to explore a cave on the Moon.
Anyways, been a really long time since my geology classes in college, but I think about it every time I go into a surface cave on the moon. Thanks again
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Let me begin by saying that hopefully the CGS' esteemed leader will be able to clear a spot from his busy schedule to furnish us with an accurate answer. There is certainly some evidence to suggest there might be caves, or caverns on the moon: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/12jul_rabbithole/ http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/lunar-pits-could-shelter-astronauts-reveal-details-of-how-man-in-the-moon-formed/#.VEgyI_mktGY The mechanism for the formation of these features is not well understood. Erosion or weathering by liquid (water) seem unlikely. It seems the primary conjecture is impacts opening up ancient lava tubes, and exposing the voids therein. Which seems plausible, at least to a layman, such as myself. Strange things and formations do appear in space though, you need only look at the comet which the Rosetta mission is currently orbiting, and soon to send a lander to, 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko (known as 67P, or 'Churi Guri', for obvious reasons) https://www.flickr.com/photos/europeanspaceagency/sets/72157638315605535/ Or Saturn's moon, Hyperion: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/multimedia/display.cfm?Category=Planets&IM_ID=4143 Both have formations that seem hard to explain as a consequence of impacts alone. Even without the magic of The Traveller, Bungie have pretty much free licence it seems. The truth of our solar system is always stranger than fiction. This is why I can't wait for the upcoming missions to Ceres & Pluto amongst others. Who know what amazing stories those rocks will have to tell!