Terrestrial Planets
Unit 5 - Terrestrial Planets (weeks 12-13)
Learning Objectives
Describe the process of cratering of planetary surfaces and tell how craters can be used to infer the relative ages of the surfaces.
Compare and contrast the geology of the four terrestrial planets.
Compare and contrast the weather systems of the four terrestrial planets.
List the major surface features on each planet and describe how they were formed.
Understand the roles of cratering, volcanism, and tectonics in the shaping of the planets’ surfaces.
Apply the concept of the greenhouse effect to the atmospheres of Earth and Venus.
Outline
Comparative Meteorology
Composition of atmospheres
Formation of atmospheres
Weathering effects on the planets’ surfaces.
Comparative Geology
Tectonics
Volcanic activity
Mountain building
Erosion
Earth
Used for understanding the other planets.
Atmosphere
Geology
Magnetic Field
Venus
Clouds, atmosphere, and surface temperature
Active volcanic surface
Mars
Geologic features
Thin atmosphere
Mercury
Virtually no atmosphere (trace helium)
Cratered surface
Class Notes – Terrestrial Planets
BBC - The Planets: Terrestrials
Homework:
Read Earth, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars and/or Chapters 8 & 9 in Zeilik.
Read The Nine Planets.