Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.12. The surface areas of the
rocky planets, the Moon, and the
larger outer planet satellites as a
function of Earth
s land surface area
(Earth = 1); note that the surface area
of Mars is just about equal to the
surface of Earth not covered by
water, while the surface area of
Venus is nearly 3.5 times that of
Earth
'
'
s land surface.
rapid searches and provides analytical tools for planetary
data. For example, a user can construct maps that combine
images, topographic information, and multispectral data
for areas and scales of the user
'
s choice. Currently,
JMARS principally covers Mars and is being adapted for
the Moon and Earth. Public downloads are readily acces-
sible through the website. In addition, NASA maintains a
network of Regional Planetary Image Facilities that have
sets of images available for viewing and staff who can
answer speci
c questions;
Appendix 1.2
lists these facili-
ties and their locations.
In summary, the exploration of the Solar System affords
a great opportunity to study geology and geomorphology in
a wide variety of settings and over time scales from the
earliest formation of planetary crusts to geologically active
planets. As shown in
Fig. 1.12
, there is an enormous
potential for such studies when considering the total surface
areas of planets and satellites amenable for geology.
Assignments
1.
Brie
y explain how the analysis of geologic features
on planetary surfaces is relevant to the search for life
beyond Earth.
an inner planet, a gas giant planet, and a small body
(such as an asteroid). List the launch dates, dates of
operations at the
planetary body, and one or
two key results relevant to planetary geology for each
of the three spacecraft identi
ed.
“
target
”
2.
Go to the website for Science News and summarize a
scienti
c result from a currently operating spacecraft
that is relevant to planetary geology.
5.
Examine the tables for the primary characteristics of
the planets and satellites. Give one example of how the
environment for a terrestrial planet of your choice
would in
uence the geology in comparison with an
icy satellite of your choice.
3.
Compare and contrast the types of planetary data
returned from an orbiting spacecraft and a landed
spacecraft.
4.
Go to the websites for planetary missions currently
being conducted by spacefaring nations and agencies,
such as the ESA, and identify one spacecraft each for
6.
Go to the website for Space News and summarize one
budget issue for the current year that has an impact on
planetary exploration.
