Planetary processes
Interactions between surfaces and atmospheres
Understanding how planetary surfaces change in atmospheres
There are many processes that shape planetary surfaces. Some can be similar to what we see on Earth that we can study through a field called Planetary Analogs. Some processes on other planetary bodies are very different from Earth and we have to use remote sensing and landed missions to infer what we think is happening on the surface. Check out the many research areas we’re involved in below to learn more!
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How are other planets and moons in our solar system similar to Earth?
Many planetary bodies in our solar system have rocky surfaces that have evolved over time just like the surface of Earth. Planets with atmospheres are more likely to have surface processes similar to Earth because those atmospheres protect against space weathering effects like micrometeorites and radiation from the sun and outer space. Mars has been shown to have had flowing water, sand dunes, and still has clouds similar to Earth. Venus has silicate volcanoes like Earth, as does Jupiter’s moon Io (pronounced Eye-oh). Saturn’s moon Titan has a very thick atmosphere and a has rivers and lakes just like Earth, but are made of different solids, liquids and gases.
"Silicate” Volcanology – volcanoes made of rocks like Earth
Dune's and Don'ts
IMPACTful research
How are other planetary bodies different from Earth?
Some places in our solar system are very alien to Earth. Earth has a water cycle that shapes our surface, but Titan’s cycle is methane and ethane – methane lakes and rain instead of water like we have on Earth. Other moons of the outer solar system have liquid water and ice, but they have something Earth doesn’t - water-ice volcanism known as “cryovolcanism.” Cryovolcanism works just like volcanism on Earth, but instead of rocks it’s ice and instead of lava, it’s water! Check out the articles below to learn more about our fascinating solar system!
How are some of the ways that Astrogeology scientists are studying the solar system?
Terrestrial analogs (note: will link to analogs sciex page)
Modeling and simulations (note: Ryan finishing this page)
Publications
The flood lavas of Kasei Valles, Mars
Science
Planetary Volcanology
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
Caves
News
Caves Across the Solar System
A Martian landscape right at home
Local Grand Falls Dunes in the Eyes of Scientific Research
The flood lavas of Kasei Valles, Mars
Planetary Volcanology
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
Caves
There are many processes that shape planetary surfaces. Some can be similar to what we see on Earth that we can study through a field called Planetary Analogs. Some processes on other planetary bodies are very different from Earth and we have to use remote sensing and landed missions to infer what we think is happening on the surface. Check out the many research areas we’re involved in below to learn more!
<SLIDESHOW>
How are other planets and moons in our solar system similar to Earth?
Many planetary bodies in our solar system have rocky surfaces that have evolved over time just like the surface of Earth. Planets with atmospheres are more likely to have surface processes similar to Earth because those atmospheres protect against space weathering effects like micrometeorites and radiation from the sun and outer space. Mars has been shown to have had flowing water, sand dunes, and still has clouds similar to Earth. Venus has silicate volcanoes like Earth, as does Jupiter’s moon Io (pronounced Eye-oh). Saturn’s moon Titan has a very thick atmosphere and a has rivers and lakes just like Earth, but are made of different solids, liquids and gases.
"Silicate” Volcanology – volcanoes made of rocks like Earth
Dune's and Don'ts
IMPACTful research
How are other planetary bodies different from Earth?
Some places in our solar system are very alien to Earth. Earth has a water cycle that shapes our surface, but Titan’s cycle is methane and ethane – methane lakes and rain instead of water like we have on Earth. Other moons of the outer solar system have liquid water and ice, but they have something Earth doesn’t - water-ice volcanism known as “cryovolcanism.” Cryovolcanism works just like volcanism on Earth, but instead of rocks it’s ice and instead of lava, it’s water! Check out the articles below to learn more about our fascinating solar system!
How are some of the ways that Astrogeology scientists are studying the solar system?
Terrestrial analogs (note: will link to analogs sciex page)
Modeling and simulations (note: Ryan finishing this page)