Recent planetary missions by NASA, the European Space Agency and other
national bodies have reaffirmed that geological processes familiar from
our studies of the Earth operate on many solid planets and satellites.
Common threads link the internal structure, thermal evolution and
surface character of both rocky and icy worlds, and volcanoes, impact
craters, ice caps, dunes, rift valleys, rivers and oceans emerge as
features of extra-terrestrial worlds as diverse as Mercury and Titan.
The new data also reveal that many supposedly inert planetary bodies
currently experience eruptions, landslides and dust storms. Moreover our
understanding of the Solar System has greatly benefited from the
analysis of meteorites from Mars as well as rock samples collected on
the Moon.
Combining extensive use of imagery, the results of laboratory
experiments and theoretical modelling, this comprehensively updated
second edition of Planetary Geology provides the student reader and the
enthusiastic amateur with up-to-date coverage of these recent advances
and confirms that, to quote from the first edition, planetary geology
now embraces conventional geology and vice versa.
Note for Teachers using this book with students. The authors have
prepared some ancillary materials for class use. To gain access to these
materials please use the contact form and tell us where and when you
will be using the book and with how many students.
