The Geology of Mars: Evidence from Earth-Based Analogs (Cambridge Planetary Science)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 474 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press
• Edition: 1st Edition May 28, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521832926
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521832922
• Book Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 2.4 pounds

Product Review
"As is to be expected, this book is well illustrated with pictures of Mars and the corresponding Earth formations."
Publisher Review

"This book provides an great introduction to the field of comparative planetology and should be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of planetary scientists."
Meteoritics & Planetary Science (2007)
Gordon Osinski, University of Western Ontario

Product Description
Research into the geological processes operating on Mars relies on interpretation of images and other data returned by unmanned orbiters, probes and landers. Such interpretations are based on our knowledge of processes occurring on Earth Terrestrial analog studies therefore play an important role in understanding the geological features observed on Mars. This is the first book to present direct comparisons between locales on Earth and Mars, and contains contributions from leading planetary geologists to demonstrate the parallels and differences between these two neighboring planets. Mars is characterized by a wide range of geological phenomena that also occur on Earth, including tectonic, volcanic, impact cratering, eolian, fluvial, glacial and possibly lacustrine and marine processes. The book provides terrestrial analogs for newly acquired data sets from Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Express, and will therefore be a key reference for students and researchers of planetary science.

Reader Reviews
Mars research has progressed to the point where it has proved useful to compare geological formation processes of Earth to what has been seen or deduced on Mars. Numerous interesting features seen on Mars include possible flood lava flows and volcanic structures. Earth locations studied include cap rocks on Iceland, sand dunes in Arizona and Nevada, and Siberian river beds. Data maps from Mars form a compelling visual feature of the book. Taken from all the successful Mars missions that have carried cameras. There are many comparisons between the Mars maps and satellite photos of Earth locations. In no small part, to make explicitly clear the correspondences between various geological features on the 2 planets. In general, there is ample evidence for previous fluid flows on the Martian surface. Some of this may well have been liquid water. Producing spectacular flood channels and plains, rivalling or exceeding any on Earth.