Planetary Tectonics

by Edited by Thomas R. Watters , Richard A. Schultz

• ISBN13: 9780521765732
• ISBN10: 0521765730
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-01-29
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book describes the tectonic landforms resulting from major internal and external forces acting on the outer layers of solid bodies throughout the Solar System. It presents a detailed survey of tectonic structures at a range of length scales found on Mercury, Venus, the Moon, Mars, the outer planet satellites, and asteroids. A diverse range of models for the sources of tectonic stresses acting on silicate and icy crusts is outlined, comparing processes acting throughout the Solar System. Rheological and mechanical properties of planetary crusts and lithospheres are discussed to understand how and why tectonic stresses manifest themselves differently on various bodies. Results from fault population data are assessed in detail. The book provides methods for mapping and analysing planetary tectonic features, and is illustrated with diagrams and spectacular images returned by manned and robotic spacecraft. It forms an essential reference for researchers and students in planetary geology and tectonics.

Table of Contents

List of contributors	p. vii
Preface	p. xi
Planetary tectonics: introduction	p. 1
The tectonics of Mercury	p. 15
Venus tectonics	p. 81
Lunar tectonics	p. 121
Mars tectonics	p. 183
Tectonics of small bodies	p. 233
Tectonics of the outer planet satellites	p. 264
Planetary structural mapping	p. 351
Strength and deformation of planetary lithospheres	p. 397
Fault populations	p. 457
Index	p. 511
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