ASTRO 6577

Planetary Surface Processes

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

Survey of remote sensing techniques used to observe the surfaces of solar system bodies and the geomorphic processes involved in their formation and evolution. Surface morphology and landforms of terrestrial planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets. Fundamentals of impact cratering, volcanism, tectonism, and erosion, with significant emphasis on terrestrial field sites as analogs. Basic introduction to physical, geochemical, and "space" weathering of planetary surfaces. Basic introduction to field methods and remote sensing techniques/data sets (terrestrial, spacecraft). Students can participate in an optional field trip over Spring Break to a "classic" planetary surface process analog field site (e.g., Meteor Crater, Amboy, White Sands, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Death Valley) for 1 additional credit.

When Offered Spring.

Fees Course fee: TBA. Cost to defray travel will be announced once classes begin.

Comments 3 credits for lecture only; 4 credits if registered for field trip. Grading based on participation in discussions, critical literature reviews, and final project/presentation.

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