Exploring the Late Heavy Bombardment

What is the Late Heavy Bombardment (LHB) primarily known for?

• A period of intense volcanic activity on Earth

• A time when many asteroids and comets struck the inner planets

• The formation of the first oceans

• The extinction of the dinosaurs

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Which celestial bodies are believed to have caused the Late Heavy Bombardment?

• Black holes

• Asteroids and comets

• Supernovae

• Planets

What is one major piece of evidence for the Late Heavy Bombardment found on the Moon?

• Presence of water ice at the poles

• Large numbers of impact craters on the lunar surface

• Volcanic mountains

• Magnetic fields

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Which of the following is a likely effect of the Late Heavy Bombardment on early Earth?

• Formation of the ozone layer

• Creation of large impact basins and possible vaporisation of oceans

• Development of multicellular life

• Increase in atmospheric oxygen

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Which planet, besides Earth, shows significant evidence of bombardment from the LHB?

• Venus

• Mars

• Mercury

• Jupiter

Why do scientists study lunar rocks to learn about the Late Heavy Bombardment?

• Lunar rocks are older than Earth rocks and preserve impact evidence better

• Lunar rocks contain fossils of early life

• Lunar rocks are easier to find than Earth rocks

• Lunar rocks are made of pure iron

How might the Late Heavy Bombardment have influenced the development of life on Earth?

• By providing energy and organic molecules necessary for life

• By causing the extinction of dinosaurs

• By forming the continents

• By increasing Earth's gravity

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Compare the surface of the Moon to Earth in terms of evidence for the Late Heavy Bombardment. Why is the evidence more visible on the Moon?

• The Moon has no atmosphere or plate tectonics to erase craters

• The Moon is closer to the Sun

• The Moon is made of different materials

• The Moon has more water

If a large asteroid impacted early Earth during the LHB, what immediate effect would it most likely have caused?

• A sudden drop in sea level

• Release of massive amounts of heat and energy, possibly vaporising water

• Formation of new mountain ranges

• Increase in plant growth

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Which method do scientists use to estimate the age of impact craters from the Late Heavy Bombardment?

• Observing crater colour

• Radiometric dating of rocks from crater sites

• Measuring the depth of craters

• Counting the number of craters