Cover

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Solar System overview

1.1.1 The terrestrial planets

1.1.2 The giant planets

1.1.3 Small bodies, Pluto, and “dwarf planets”

1.2 Objectives of Solar System exploration

1.2.1 Planetary geology objectives

1.2.2 Astrobiology

1.3 Strategy for Solar System exploration

1.4 Flight projects

1.5 Planetary data

1.6 Planetary research results

Assignments

Chapter 2 Planetary geomorphology methods

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Approach

2.3 Planetary geologic maps

2.4 Geologic time

2.5 Remote sensing data

2.5.1 Visible imaging data

2.5.2 Multispectral data

2.5.3 Thermal data

2.5.4 Radar imaging data

2.5.5 Ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray data

2.6 Geophysical data

2.7 Image processing

2.8 Resolution

2.9 Electronic data records (EDRs)

2.10 Cartography

Assignments

Chapter 3 Planetary morphologic processes

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Tectonism

3.3 Volcanic processes

3.3.1 Volcanic eruptions

3.3.2 Volcanic morphology

3.3.3 Volcanic craters

3.3.4 Intrusive structures

3.4 Impact cratering

3.4.1 Impact cratering mechanics

3.4.2 Impact craters on Earth

3.4.3 Impact craters and planetary environments

3.5 Gradation

3.5.1 Weathering

3.5.2 Mass wasting

3.5.3 Processes associated with the hydrologic cycle

3.5.4 Aeolian processes

3.5.5 Periglacial processes

3.6 Summary

Assignments

Chapter 4 Earth’s Moon

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Lunar exploration

4.2.1 Pre-Apollo studies

4.2.2 The Apollo era

4.2.3 Post-Apollo exploration

4.3 Interior characteristics

4.4 Surface composition

4.5 Geomorphology

4.5.1 Impact craters and basins

4.5.2 Highland plains

4.5.3 Mare terrains

4.5.4 Sinuous rilles

4.5.5 Volcanic constructs

4.5.6 Tectonic features

4.5.7 Gradational features

4.6 Geologic history of the Moon

Assignments

Chapter 5 Mercury

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Mercury exploration

5.3 Interior characteristics

5.4 Surface composition

5.5 Geomorphology

5.5.1 General physiography

5.5.2 Impact craters

5.5.3 Multi-ring basins

5.5.4 Volcanic features

5.5.5 Tectonic features

5.5.6 Gradation features

5.6 Geologic history

Assignments

Chapter 6 Venus

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Venus exploration

6.3 Interior characteristics

6.4 Surface compositions

6.5 Geomorphology

6.5.1 General physiography

6.5.2 Impact craters

6.5.3 Volcanic features

6.5.4 Tectonic features

6.5.5 Gradation features

6.6 Geologic history

Assignments

Chapter 7 Mars

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Exploration

7.3 Interior

7.4 Surface composition

7.5 Geomorphology

7.5.1 Physiography

7.5.2 Impact craters

7.5.3 Volcanic features

7.5.4 Tectonic features

7.5.5 Gradation features

7.6 Geologic history

Assignments

Chapter 8 The Jupiter system

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Exploration

8.3 Jupiter

8.4 Io

8.4.1 Impact features (none!)

8.4.2 Volcanic features

8.4.3 Tectonic features

8.4.4 Gradation features

8.4.5 Io summary

8.5 Europa

8.5.1 Impact features

8.5.2 Tectonic features

8.5.3 Volcanic features

8.5.4 Gradation features

8.5.5 Europa summary

8.6 Ganymede

8.6.1 Physiography

8.6.2 Impact features

8.6.3 Tectonic features

8.6.4 Volcanic features

8.6.5 Gradation features

8.6.6 Ganymede summary

8.7 Callisto

8.7.1 Physiography

8.7.2 Impact features

8.7.3 Gradation features

8.7.4 Callisto summary

8.8 Small moons and rings

8.9 Summary

Assignments

Chapter 9 The Saturn system

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Exploration

9.3 Saturn

9.4 Satellites

9.5 Titan

9.6 Enceladus

9.7 Intermediate-size satellites

9.7.1 Mimas

9.7.2 Tethys

9.7.3 Dione

9.7.4 Rhea

9.7.5 Iapetus

9.7.6 Small satellites

9.8 The ring system

9.9 Summary

Assignments

Chapter 10 The Uranus and Neptune systems

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Uranus and Neptune

10.3 Uranian moons

10.4 Neptunian moons

10.5 Summary

Assignments

Chapter 11 Planetary geoscience future

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Planetary protection

11.3 Missions in flight and anticipated for launch

11.4 Extended missions

11.5 Summary

Assignments

Appendices

Appendix 1.1 Some key websites for planetary science

Appendix 1.2 NASA regional planetary image facilities

United States locations

International locations

Appendix 2.1 Common planetary imaging systems

A2.1.1 Film systems

A2.1.2 Vidicon systems

A2.1.3 Facsimile systems

References

Further reading

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Index