- A comparative approach that demonstrates the similarities and differences between planets, and the reasons for these
- A course for geoscience majors, bringing together aspects of mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, sedimentology, geomorphology, tectonics, geophysics and remote sensing
For many years, planetary science has been taught as part of the astronomy curriculum, from a very physics-based perspective, and from the framework of a tour of the Solar System - body by body. Over the past decades, however, spacecraft exploration and related laboratory research on extraterrestrial materials have given us a new understanding of planets and how they are shaped by geological processes. Based on a course taught at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this is the first textbook to focus on geologic processes, adopting a comparative approach that demonstrates the similarities and differences between planets, and the reasons for these. Profusely illustrated, and with a wealth of pedagogical features, this book provides an ideal capstone course for geoscience majors - bringing together aspects of mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, sedimentology, geomorphology, tectonics, geophysics and remote sensing.
Includes:
- Chapter summaries providing a quick review of basic concepts and important relations
- Sets of questions to help students digest and synthesize the topics covered
- Lists of further reading providing students with additional and more detailed coverage of the subject
Contents:
- 1. Exploring the Solar System
- 2. Toolkits for the planetary geoscientist: imaging and spectroscopy
- 3. More toolkits for the planetary geoscientist: chronology, mapping, geophysics, and laboratory analysis
- 4. Solar System raw materials
- 5. Assembling planetesimals and planets
- 6. Planetary heating and differential
- 7. Unseen planetary interiors
- 8. Planetary geodynamics
- 9. Planetary structures and tectonics
- 10. Planetary igneous activity
- 11. Impact cratering as a geologic process
- 12. Planetary atmospheres, oceans, and ices
- 13. Planetary Aeolian processes and landforms
- 14. Planetary fluvial and lacustrine landforms: products of liquid flow
- 15. Physical and chemical changes: weathering, sedimentology, metamorphism, and mass wasting
- 16. Astrobiology: a planetary perspective on life
- 17. Integrated planetary geoscience: a case study (Mars)
Authors:
- Harry Y. McSween, Jr, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Jeffrey E. Moersch, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Devon M. Burr, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- William M. Dunne, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Joshua P. Emery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Linda C. Kah, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Molly C. McCanta, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Review:
'Planetary Geoscience provides a comprehensive overview of what Earthlings know about the geology, geophysics, and geochemistry of solid worlds beyond Earth, from stardust to Venus. It clearly presents key concepts with a combination of beautiful illustrations, well-written text, and only essential equations. This is probably the best introductory planetary textbook for geoscience majors.' Alfred McEwen, University of Arizona
