Planetary Geological Processes: Surface Modification

Planetary Geological Processes: Surface Modification

Introduction to Geology

Introduction to Geology

ASTR 1010L

There are four basic ways the surface of a solid object (a planet, moon, asteroid, or comet) can be modified geologically.

Watch the “Geological Surface Processes” video. What are the four major processes that change the planetary surfaces? Explain how each works and what kinds of features can be formed.

The four major processes are Cratering, Volcanoes, Erosion, and Weathering. Earth experiences many impacts including eruptions, but most craters have been erased by other processes. The craters left by impacting objects can reveal information about the age of a planet’s surface as also its nature and composition at the time the crater was…