Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
Anyhow, what I don't get is if the moon is partly composed of earth, then why aren't the same diversity of elements and compounds found there?
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They are similar; the two most abundant elements in the earth's crust are oxygen and silicon, which together make up more than 75% of the crust by mass. The moon's surface has a similar chemical composition, more than 60% oxygen and silicon.
By "same diversity of elements and compounds," I assume you mean things like organic molecules. Having an atmosphere really helps with that--which was instrumental to the development of organic molecules here on Earth.