Unlike the near side, the far side has thicker crust and more craters. Mare are scarce. Peaks are taller, and basins are deeper. The rugged terrain results from ancient impacts and asymmetric crust formation. Lunar orbiters mapped these regions in detail. Terrain affects communication relay and landing site selection. Future missions need terrain analysis to avoid hazards.
It matters for exploration logistics and robotics. Far side bases require careful planning.
It also informs planetary geology, showing asymmetry can occur on other moons.
Some far side mountains are over 10 km high.
NASA [nasa.gov]