Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Lobate Scarps in the Lunar South Polar Region: Evidence for Latitudinal Variation of Scarp Geometry, Kinematics and Formation Ages, Neo‐Tectonic Activity and Sources of Potential Seismic Risks at the Artemis Candidate Landing Regions

Abstract Lobate scarps (thrust faults) in the lunar south polar region (90°–60°S) provide important insights into tectonic history, seismicity, and seismic hazard potential of landing sites. In this study, we discovered 75 new lobate >500 segments, exhibiting latitudinal variation geometry movement directions. Formation ages 141 prominent scarp segments show fault growth rates directions, decreasing from pole to mid‐latitude, continuous activity last 100 million years with a peak around 10 Ma, resetting ages, timings global contraction. The are capable producing small‐medium size moonquakes within 5–10 km depths. deterministic analysis, considering occurrence M W 1–4 shallow along next few decades, their ground motion characteristics, suggests variable levels risk at Artemis candidate regions further probabilistic analysis is necessary.