Planetary geoscience

Planetary Geoscience is the first introductory textbook to treat the Earth and the other terrestrial planets, the gas giants, their satellites, comets, and meteorites from the viewpoint of the geologist.

It deals with the origin and evolution of these bodies and with the changes produced on their surfaces, their interiors and their atmospheres by impacts, volcanism, tectonics, water, wind, and organic agencies.

The book thereby shows that geology is not an earthbound topic.

Although Planetary Geoscience is intended primarily for undergraduates in geology, geomorphology, and astronomy, it will also be of value to students of physics and the history of science, and to the many amateurs who are intrigued by the planetary landscapes they see through their telescopes and on their TV screens.

The book is illustrated by over 150 images and line drawings and is supported by a dedicated website which gives the reader access to the results of planetary missions currently in progress.

A full glossary and a list of recommended readings is included.

Dominic Fortes graduated in Planetary Science at University College London.His research focuses on computer modelling of Solar System ices but he is also engaged in geological mapping of Venus from Magellan imagery.

Claudio Vita-Finzi taught on the Planetary Science degree at UCL for 12 years and is now at the Natural History Museum where he works on planetary tectonics.

His most recent book is Monitoring the Earth (Terra).