Comparative_Planetology_Online_Lab_v2.pdf

Online Lab: Comparative Planetology Name: Date: Instructor: Section: Introduction The goal of this lab is to explore the solar system using a series of images taken by many different spacecraft. One of the most important areas of astronomy is the field of comparative planetology. By studying planets and other large bodies in the solar system, we learn about the history and possible future of our own. Some large bodies, such as Mars, Mercury and the Moon, have preserved a record of the history of the solar system, in their craters and in the evidence for lava flows and other surface alterations. On the other hand, Venus gives a frightening glimpse into a possible future of the Earth, should the “greenhouse effect“ become significant here. Even the giant planets, different though they seem, offer insight into the formation of the solar system, its stability, and its history, and therefore are important to a complete understanding of the Earth’s history. In particular, the moons of the outer planets are in some cases comparable to inner solar system objects. Part A: Craters Around the Solar System Use the images below (Figures 1 - 6) to answer the following questions. Figure 1: Meteor Crater in Arizona Figure 2: Mercury: Optical Image From Mariner 10 Written by University of Washington, Modified by Melissa Butner 1

Figure 3: Venus: Crater Cunitz Figure 4: Footprint on the Moon Figure 5: Mars: Optical Image 1 Figure 6: Lunar Craters Written by University of Washington, Modified by Melissa Butner 2

1. On Venus, craters of less than 2km across are almost non-existent, while on Mercury, Mars and the Moon, large and very small craters can be seen. Why is this the case? 2. When we think about cratering, we usually think of big rocks falling onto a planet, but even tiny pebbles can make craters. Near the footprint in the above picture, you can see many small “pock-marks.“ These marks are the craters made by microscopic particles that hit the surface moving at speeds of several kilometers per second. Marks like these can not be found on the Earth’s surface. Why not? 3. Craters accumulate over time. This means that the number of craters you see gives a rough idea of the age of the surface. Using this method, sort the surfaces of Venus, Earth, Mercury, Mars and the Moon by age. How can you reconcile these vastly different ages with the idea that all the planets formed at the same time? Written by University of Washington, Modified by Melissa Butner 3

Part B: Volcanism Around the Solar System Volcanism can be very important in shaping the surface features of a planet. Venus has a large number of unique volcanic features. On Earth, when volcanos erupt, the molten lava within them can travel great distances before it cools. However, on Venus, molten lava does not travel very far before it cools. Compare these examples of shield volcanoes on Venus and on Earth. Figure 7: Shield volcanoes on Venus - Pancake Domes Figure 8: Shield volcanoes on Earth - Galapagos Islands 1. Give two pieces of evidence that Venusian lava does not flow far before cooling. 2. What might cause the difference between the two planets? Written by University of Washington, Modified by Melissa Butner 4

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help