The lunar farside differs significantly in crustal thickness from the nearside
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 91/100
Multiple studies and geophysical models confirm that the lunar farside crust is significantly thicker on average than the nearside crust, contributing to the Moon's prominent hemispheric dichotomy.
Evidence for · 4
Potential anomalies on a sphere: Applications to the thickness of the lunar crust
1998 · cited by 317
Computes crustal thickness maps showing significant structural differences across the Moon.
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More for · 3
Lunar farside volcanism 2.8 billion years ago from Chang'e-6 basalts.
2025 · cited by 29
Discusses the hemispheric dichotomy of the Moon, highlighting differences between nearside and farside.
EARTHSHINE ON A YOUNG MOON: EXPLAINING THE LUNAR FARSIDE HIGHLANDS
2014 · cited by 16
Explicitly mentions the lunar highlands problem regarding the farside crust being thicker on average than the nearside crust.
Lunar Nearside‐Farside Mare Basalt Asymmetry: The Combined Role of Global Crustal Thickness Variations and South Pole‐Aitken (SPA) Basin‐Induced Lithospheric Thickening
2024 · cited by 8
Analyzes global crustal thickness variations and how they contribute to nearside-farside asymmetries.