Planetary Landscapes [Paperback]

This introduction to planetary geology concentrates on the surface features of the planets and satellites of our Solar System. The author first discusses the primary processes that shape our planet, Earth, and the geomorphology of the objects in the Solar System. The second edition includes new information about Venus and a new chapter on Neptune. The book is beautifully illustrated with high-resolution black-and-white photographs from recent space probes and orbiting spacecraft, and with explanatory diagrams. Each chapter starts with a description of the general physiography and terrain units, then the geomorphic processes that created them are discussed. Finally a synopsis of the geologic evolution of the surface is given. The selected references at the end include original papers, review articles and books.PartI: Introduction: Objectives of Solar System exploration; The geologic approach; Relevance of geomorphology; Sources of data; Geologic exploration of the Solar System: General planetary characteristics; Pre-space-age planetology missions; Planetary images; Digital image processing; Planetary cartography; Summary; Planetary morphologic processes: Introduction; Impact cratering; Tectonic processes; Volcanic processes; Gradation; Summary; The Moon: Introduction; General physiography; Tectonic features; Craters; Degradational features; History of the Moon; Mercury: Introduction; Physiography; Craters and basins; Scarps and ridges; The caloris basin; Volcanism; Geologic history; Venus: Introduction; Radar data for Venus; Physiography; Craters; Tectonic features; Volcanic features; Surface modifications; Geologic history; Mars: Introduction; Phobos and Deimos; Physiography; Craters; Volcanism; Tectonism; Gradation; Geologic history; The Jupiter system: Introduction; Io; Europa; Ganymede; Callisto; The Galileo mission; The Saturn system: Introduction; Geomorphology of the satellites; Geologic processes; The future; The Uranus lc8