Planetary Tectonics

This book is an essential reference volume that surveys tectonic landforms on solid bodies throughout the Solar System.

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

9780521749923, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 June 2012

556 pages
24.5 x 17 x 3.1 cm, 0.94 kg

"...the book provides invaluable context for understanding why Earth along has plate tectonics, one of many potential tectonic endpoints. Chapters are extensively referenced, and most are well illustrated. Recommended." CHOICE

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.

Preface
1. Introduction Thomas R. Watters and Richard A. Schultz
2. The tectonics of Mercury Thomas R. Watters and Francis Nimmo
3. Venus tectonics George E. McGill, Ellen R. Stofan and Suzanne E. Smrekar
4. Lunar tectonics Thomas R. Watters and Catherine Johnson
5. Mars tectonics Matthew P. Golombek and Roger J. Phillips
6. Tectonics of small bodies Peter C. Thomas and Louise M. Prockter
7. Tectonics of the outer planet satellites Geoffrey C. Collins, William B. McKinnon, Jeffrey M. Moorse, Francis Nimmo, Robert T. Pappalardo, Louise M. Prockter and Paul M. Schenk
8. Planetary structural mapping Kenneth L. Tanaka, Robert Anderson, James M. Dohm, Vicki Hansen, George E. McGill, Robert T. Pappalardo, Richard A. Schultz and Thomas R. Watters
9. Strength and deformation of planetary lithospheres David L. Kohlstedt and Stephen J. Mackwell
10. Fault populations Richard A. Schultz, Roger Soliva, Chris H. Okubo and Daniel Meg
Index.

Subject Areas: Geology & the lithosphere [RBG], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]