Exploring Space, Exploring Earth
New Understanding of the Earth from Space Research

An account of the impact of space exploration on our understanding of the geology and geophysics of Earth.

Paul D. Lowman Jr (Author), Neil A. Armstrong (Foreword by)

9780521890625, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 August 2002

408 pages, 114 b/w illus. 27 colour illus. 6 tables
24.7 x 17.5 x 2.2 cm, 0.65 kg

'… a well researched, well illustrated and a well referenced book … I believe that the book is guaranteed to start the serious geologist looking at traditional ideas and concepts in a slightly different light.' Open University Geological Society Journal

Paul Lowman, a NASA scientist for over 40 years, describes the impact of space flight on geology and geophysics. A foreword by Neil Armstrong emphasizes that the exploration of space has lead us to a far deeper understanding of our own planet. Direct results from Earth-orbital missions include studies of Earth's gravity and magnetic fields. In contrast, the recognition of the economic and biological significance of impact craters on Earth is an indirect consequence of the study of the geology of other planets. The final chapter presents a new theory for the tectonic evolution of the Earth based on comparative planetology and the Gaia concept. Extensive illustrations, a glossary of technical terms, and comprehensive bibliography, provide geologists and geophysicists with a valuable summary of research. The book will also serve as a supplementary text for students of tectonics, remote sensing and planetary science.

Foreword Neil Armstrong
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Preview of the orbital perspective: the Million Year Day
2. Space geodesy
3. Satellite studies of geomagnetism
4. Remote sensing: the view from space
5. Impact cratering and terrestrial geology
6. Comparative planetology and the origin of continental crust
7. Geology and biology: the influence of life on terrestrial geology
Afterword
Appendix A. Elements of physical geology
Appendix B. Lunar missions, 1958 to 1994
Appendix C. Planetary missions, 1961 to 1992
Glossary of geologic terms
Selected bibliography (by chapter)
Index.

Subject Areas: Geographical information systems [GIS & remote sensing RGW], Earth sciences [RB], Geophysics [PHVG], Astronomy, space & time [PG]