Planetary Tectonics (Cambridge Planetary Science, Series Number 11) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521749921 ISBN 13: 9780521749923

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

This book describes the tectonic landforms resulting from major internal and external forces acting on the outer layers of solid bodies throughout the Solar System. It presents a detailed survey of tectonic structures at a range of length scales found on Mercury, Venus, the Moon, Mars, the outer planet satellites, and asteroids. A diverse range of models for the sources of tectonic stresses acting on silicate and icy crusts is outlined, comparing processes acting throughout the Solar System. Rheological and mechanical properties of planetary crusts and lithospheres are discussed to understand how and why tectonic stresses manifest themselves differently on various bodies. Results from fault population data are assessed in detail. The book provides methods for mapping and analyzing planetary tectonic features, and is illustrated with diagrams and spectacular images returned by manned and robotic spacecraft. It forms an essential reference for researchers and students in planetary geology and tectonics.

About this title

Book Description

This book surveys tectonic landforms on solid bodies throughout the Solar System. It discusses the properties and processes that explain the variety of structures observed, and provides methods for mapping and analysing these features. Illustrated with diagrams and spectacular planetary images, this is an essential reference volume.

About the Author

Thomas R. Watters is a Senior Scientist in the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum and Director of the Smithsonian's Regional Planetary Image Facility. He is involved in three planetary missions: Mars Express (MARSIS Radar Sounder team), MESSENGER (MDIS imaging team), and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LROC imaging team). He has served as Chair of the Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America, guest editor for Geophysical Research Letters, and on the editorial board of the journal Geology. His research interests are planetary tectonics, and planetary geology and geophysics. Richard A. Schultz is Professor of Geological Engineering and Geomechanics at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he teaches courses in geology, rock mechanics, and planetary science. He has served on the IUGS Commission on Comparative Planetology, as associate editor for the Journal of Geophysical Research, guest editor for the Journal of Structural Geology, and co-editor of the 35th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics and the 33rd Symposium on Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering, with visiting professorships at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Paris. His research interests include the evolution of fault systems on various planetary bodies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521749921
• ISBN 13: 9780521749923
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 556
• Editor: Watters Thomas R.