"Planetary geology, alternatively known as astrogeology or exogeology, is a planetary science discipline concerned with the geology of celestial bodies such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites."
Study of the physical and chemical properties of planetary surfaces, including geological landforms and mineralogy.
Planetary geology: A branch of geology that focuses on the study of planetary bodies such as planets, satellites, and asteroids.
Remote sensing: The process of collecting and interpreting data from a distance, typically through the use of satellite imagery or other technologies.
Spectroscopy: The study of the properties of light that are emitted or absorbed by different materials, used in planetary science to identify the composition of surface features.
Topography: The study of the shape and features of the surface of a planetary body, including mountains, valleys, and other landforms.
Geomorphic mapping: The process of identifying and mapping the different landforms on a planetary surface, which can provide insight into the geological history of the area.
Volcanism: The study of volcanic activity on planetary bodies, including the types of eruptions, the composition of volcanic rocks, and the role of volcanism in shaping the surface.
Impact cratering: The study of the formation and characteristics of impact craters on planetary bodies, including the discovery of unusual features and the role of cratering in shaping the surface.
Mineralogy: The study of the properties and characteristics of minerals found on planetary surfaces.
Planetary atmospheres: The study of the gaseous layers that surround planets and other planetary bodies, including atmospheric composition, dynamics, and circulation.
Planetary magnetospheres: The study of the magnetic fields that surround planets and other planetary bodies, including the interaction between magnetospheres and the surrounding environment.
Planetary climate: The study of the climatic conditions and changes on planetary bodies, including temperature, atmospheric conditions, and weather patterns.
Planetary rovers: The design and operation of robotic rovers used to explore the surface of planetary bodies, including the technology and instrumentation used in such missions.
Geological evolution: The study of how the geology and surface features of a planetary body have changed over time, including the identification of different geological processes that have shaped the surface.
Astrobiology: The study of the potential for life on other planetary bodies, including the search for signs of past or present life in the geological record.
Planetary mapping: The creation of detailed maps of planetary surfaces, based on data collected through remote sensing or direct exploration.
Impact craters: Formed by high-velocity collisions with objects such as asteroids or comets. They can provide information about the age and composition of the planetary surface.
Volcanoes: Formed by volcanic eruptions, they can provide information about the presence and composition of magma and the tectonic activity.
Tectonic features: Formed by movement of the planetary crust, such as rift valleys, mountains, or fault lines. They can provide information about the structure and composition of the planetary crust.
Fluvial and aeolian features: Formed by the action of wind or water, such as sand dunes or river channels. They can provide information about the past atmospheric and hydrological conditions.
Polar caps: Formed by the accumulation of ice and dust at the poles. They can provide information about the composition and history of the planet's climate.
Chaos terrain: Areas of broken and disrupted terrain, often associated with volcanic or tectonic activity. They can provide information about the past geological processes and the presence of subsurface materials.
Glaciers: Formed by the accumulation and movement of ice, they can provide information about the past climate and the composition of the planetary surface.
Crustal features: Formed by the interaction between the planetary crust and the underlying mantle, such as rift zones or uplifted regions. They can provide information about the tectonic history and structural evolution of the planet.
Dunefield and yardang: Formed by wind erosion, these features are common on Mars and can provide information about atmospheric conditions and sediment transport.
Sedimentary rock formations: Formed by the accumulation of sediment, they can provide information about the history and composition of the planetary surface, including the presence of water or other geological processes.
"Although the geo- prefix typically indicates topics of or relating to Earth, planetary geology is named as such for historical and convenience reasons; due to the types of investigations involved, it is closely linked with Earth-based geology."
"These investigations are centered around the composition, structure, processes, and history of a celestial body."
"Planetary geology includes such topics as determining the properties and processes of the internal structure of the terrestrial planets, and also looks at planetary volcanism..."
"...and surface processes such as impact craters, fluvial and aeolian processes."
"The structures and compositions of the giant planets and their moons are also examined, as is the make-up of the minor bodies of the Solar System, such as asteroids, the Kuiper belt, and comets."
"Planetary geology largely applies concepts within the geosciences to planetary bodies in the broadest sense, includes applications derived from fields in the geological sciences, such as geophysics and geochemistry."
"Determining the properties and processes of the internal structure of the terrestrial planets..."
"...and also looks at planetary volcanism..."
"...surface processes such as impact craters, fluvial and aeolian processes."
"The structures and compositions of the giant planets and their moons are also examined..."
"...as is the make-up of the minor bodies of the Solar System, such as asteroids, the Kuiper belt, and comets."
"Planetary geology largely applies concepts within the geosciences to planetary bodies in the broadest sense..."
"...includes applications derived from fields in the geological sciences, such as geophysics and geochemistry."
"Planetary geology, alternatively known as astrogeology or exogeology, is a planetary science discipline concerned with the geology of celestial bodies such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites."
"Planetary geology is named as such for historical and convenience reasons; due to the types of investigations involved, it is closely linked with Earth-based geology."
"These investigations are centered around the composition, structure, processes, and history of a celestial body."
"Planetary geology includes such topics as determining the properties and processes of the internal structure of the terrestrial planets..."
"...composition, structure, processes, and history of a celestial body... asteroids, comets, and meteorites."
"Planetary geology largely applies concepts within the geosciences to planetary bodies in the broadest sense, includes applications derived from fields in the geological sciences..."