The impact craters on Earth are younger than a few million years old, whereas ages of lunar craters extend back billions of years. Why is this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics has erased older craters on Earth, whereas this process has not occurred on the Moon. Unlike the Moon, Earth's surface is constantly being reshaped by geological processes like plate tectonics, volcanism, and erosion. As a result, the impact craters that once covered the Earth's surface have been eroded, buried, or otherwise altered over time, obscuring evidence of ancient impacts. In contrast, the Moon's surface is not subject to these processes, so the craters have remained relatively pristine and can be used to date the age of the lunar surface.

The Impact Craters on Earth Are Younger Than a Few