7
QuizMultiple Choice

The Outer Planets — Quiz

Question 7 • Earth and Space Science

Which best explains why Miranda has the lowest tidal heating, yet has unusual surface features?

Answer
A
Its surface features were formed by past geological activity.
B
Its surface features formed because the moon’s large mass generates strong internal pressure.
C
Its surface features are the result of constant resurfacing.
D
Its surface features were shaped mainly by retrograde orbital motion.

Explanation

Miranda has very low tidal heating today, so ongoing tidal activity is not enough to explain its unusual terrain. Its cliffs, grooves, and other features are best explained as remnants of earlier geological activity, when conditions may have been different. It is not massive enough to generate unusually strong internal pressure, and the question does not point to constant resurfacing or retrograde motion.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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