GEOLOGY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
(30 credits) EASC058S4
MAIN OBJECTIVES
To introduce students to the geological histories, and geological processes, of other planets, and to illustrate how this knowledge has led to our current understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SUBJECT
Knowledge and understanding of the basic geology and geophysics of the other planets
Understanding of the various techniques used to acquire geological knowledge of other planets
Understanding of how a comparison of the geologies of the different planets informs our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System as a whole
COGNITIVE SKILLS
Understanding of scientific hypothesis development and testing
Ability to relate specific knowledge to a broader context
SUBJECT-SPECIFIC PRACTICAL/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Analysis and interpretation of planetary remote sensing data; Interpretation of images; creation of maps; interpretation of maps; Ability to transfer geological knowledge gained in the context of the Earth to wide range of different planetary environments.
GENERAL/TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Familiarity with basic scientific concepts; Writing and presentation skills; Interpreting numerical and graphical data
PREREQUISITES
None (but ‘Introduction to Geology’ should be taken in parallel).
LECTURE CONTENT
Overview of the Solar System. Methods of Solar System exploration. Planetary internal structures and processes. Planetary surface structures and processes. Impact cratering as a geological process. Geology of the Moon. Geology (and possible biology) of Mars. Geology of Mercury. Geology of Venus. Planetary atmospheres. Asteroids and meteorites. The giant planets. The giant planet satellites. Comets. The origin of the Solar System.
PRACTICAL CONTENT
Construction of geological maps from orbital images of terrestrial planets
Study of meteorites and moon rocks (the latter in thin section using a petrographic microscope)
Visit to NASA’s UK Regional Planetary Image Facility (at University College London), plus one other relevant visit to an external facility
RECOMMENDED READING
J.K. Beatty, C.C. Petersen & A. Chaikin (eds.), 1999. The New Solar System, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press.
MODULE EVALUATION
One 3-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment of practical and written work (25%)
LECTURER
Dr Ian Crawford