Description
Book SynopsisPlanetary Surface Processes is the first advanced textbook to cover the full range of geologic processes that shape the surfaces of planetary-scale bodies. Using a modern, quantitative approach, this book reconsiders geologic processes outside the traditional terrestrial context. It highlights processes that are contingent upon Earth's unique circumstances and processes that are universal. For example, it shows explicitly that equations predicting the velocity of a river are dependent on gravity: traditional geomorphology textbooks fail to take this into account. This textbook is a one-stop source of information on planetary surface processes, providing readers with the necessary background to interpret new data from NASA, ESA and other space missions. Based on a course taught by the author at the University of Arizona for 25 years, it is aimed at advanced students, and is also an invaluable resource for researchers, professional planetary scientists and space-mission engineers.
Trade Review'… an essential volume for any student of terrestrial or more exotic geology and geomorphology, and it contains a lot of fascinating nuggets for the general reader.' Spaceflight
'Melosh is an intellectual giant … [this book] will continue to reward the reader for decades to come. Each time I open this book, I learn something new or at least see an old idea presented in a way I had not thought of before … The book is a remarkable resource, and I plan to incorporate it in my own teaching of Earth and planetary surface processes …' Jon Pelletier, Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. The grand tour; 2. The shapes of planets and moons; 3. Strength versus gravity; 4. Tectonics; 5. Volcanism; 6. Impact cratering; 7. Regoliths, weathering and surface texture; 8. Slopes and mass movement; 9. Wind; 10. Water; 11. Ice; References; Index.
